CELEBRATING NATIONAL PRIDE AHEAD OF NATIONAL FLAG DAY

The Junee community may be the most patriotic in Australia – that’s according to Federal Member for Riverina Michael McCormack.

Mr McCormack presented the Australian flag and other nationhood material to 18 Junee Shire community groups at a ceremony held on Monday 2 September organised with the Junee Community Network.

“The presentation coincides with Australian National Flag Day, which is held on 3 September every year,” Mr McCormack said.

“My office had received a significant number of requests from Junee community groups for nationhood material so it was a logical step that a special presentation ceremony was organised.

“I am proud to represent a community which takes such pride in our Australian National Flag.”

The ceremony also included presenting community groups with the portrait of His Majesty, King Charles III, which have only recently become available.

“My office has had a significant number of requests for portrait of the King,” Mr McCormack said.

“I am delighted these have now been made available for my office to distribute to those who request one.”

Australian National Flag Day was established on 3 September 1996 to celebrate the first time that the flag was flown in 1901. Then Prime Minister Edmund Barton announced the winners of a national flag design competition on this day.

The winning flag, which was known as the Commonwealth blue ensign, was flown over the dome of the Exhibition Building in Melbourne, which was then home to our national parliament.

“Our national flag has been with us in war and in peace, in good times and during the tough challenges that our nation has faced which have all contributed to forge the beautiful and resilient country I am proud to call home,” Mr McCormack said.

All Australians are encouraged to fly or display the Australian National Flag to celebrate Australian National Flag Day on 3 September each year.