By CASEY NEILL
COURTNEY Gardens Primary has a new Australian flag to fly with pride.
Holt MP Anthony Byrne presented the gift to the Cranbourne school on National Flag Day, Thursday 3 September.
The day marked the 114th anniversary of the first time the Australian Flag was flown.
Australia’s flag was the first in the world to be chosen in an open public competition and attracted more than 30,000 entries.
Five near-identical designs were chosen and awarded equal first prize.
“Today we honour the ideals for which our national flag stands, including our geography, history, and our unity as a federated nation,” Mr Byrne said.
“Our flag belongs to the Australian people and has been a central part of our expression of national pride.
“It has been our symbol in times of peacetime and prosperity and times of adversity and war.”
Mr Byrne said all Australians were encouraged to fly or display the Australian Flag each 3 September and that National Flag Day was a great opportunity for community organisations, schools, local businesses and individuals to celebrate national pride.
“As Australians, we can take pride in our unique heritage, our respect for diversity, and the high quality of life that we all enjoy,” Mr Byrne said.
