Friday 13 February 2026 is the 18 anniversary of the Australian Parliament's formal apology to members of the Stolen Generations. To recognise this anniversary and in national recognition of First Nations Australians, schools are invited to fly the Aboriginal Flag and the Torres Strait Islander Flag on additional flagpoles, where available, next to or near the Australian National Flag all day on Friday 13 February 2026.
If there is only one flagpole available at a flag station, the Aboriginal Flag or the Torres Strait Islander Flag should not replace the Australian Flag. If 2 flagpoles are available, the Australian Flag should be flown on the first flagpole, and the Victorian Flag on the second flagpole can be replaced with the Aboriginal or the Torres Strait Islander flag. The Aboriginal Flag and the Torres Strait Islander Flag have equal status and may be flown in any order after the Australian Flag.
- Information on flag protocol is available at Australian National .
- For more information contact: community.stakeholder@education.vic.gov.au
Resources
- Flagpoles at Victorian government schools – building professionals factsheet – this resource has been developed to help building professionals provide accurate quotes for the installation of flagpoles in schools
- Flagpoles at Victorian government schools – school council minor works contract template – schools are encouraged to use this template for contracts involving the installation of flagpoles
Useful websites
Flag notifications and – schools can subscribe here to receive state flag notifications from the Department of Premier and Cabinet
Reviewed 12 February 2026