Three iconic emblems are used on the Australia Flag: the Commonwealth Star, the Union Jack, and the Southern Cross. The Commonwealth Star, a large white seven-pointed star, and a representation of the Southern Cross constellation, which is made up of five white stars (one small five-pointed star and four larger seven-pointed stars), is added to the Australian flag, also known as the Common Blue Ensign. The British Blue Ensign is a blue field with the Union Jack in the upper hoist quarter. Several additional official flags symbolising Australia’s populace and essential governmental services are also displayed.
On September 3, 1901—the day that was declared Australian National Flag Day in 1996—the original design, which featured a six-pointed Commonwealth Star, was flown for the first time in Melbourne. It was selected from entries in a competition that took place after the Federation. In 1903, King Edward VII approved a slightly altered design. A proclamation issued on December 8, 1908, introduced the current version of the Commonwealth Star, which has seven points. The Flags Act of 1953 officially established the flag as the Australian National Flag, and its dimensions were gazetted in 1934. In 1954, the flag gained official recognition.
