At the October Council meeting, Council has adopted its new Flag Policy to guide the management of flags on Council owned land and at Official Civic Occasions, in accordance with the Australian National Flag protocols.
The new Flag Policy extends upon the previous Flag Policy applicable to Council’s Customer Hubs in Bannockburn and Smythesdale to also include Official Civic Occasions, Council-Managed sites and Council-Owned but not Council-Managed sites.
The new Flag Policy allows for the flying of Community Flags at Council’s Customer Hubs in Bannockburn and Smythesdale by introducing an additional flagpole to complement the Australian National Flag, the Australian Aboriginal Flag and the Torres Strait Islander Flag.
Community Flags flown must align with Council’s values and policies and promote respect for all; raise awareness; symbolise identity, pride and belonging or be a part of a locally based or nationally recognised event or commemorative day or week.
At Official Civic Occasions including Council Meetings, Citizenship Ceremonies and Community Award Ceremonies, the Australian National Flag, the Australian Aboriginal Flag and the Torres Strait Islander Flag will be displayed.
Council will also display these flags at other Council-Managed sites such as early years facilities and community centres, but this may take the form of external flags, smaller flags, desktop flags or hung flags based on what is most appropriate in the setting.
At Council-Owned but not Council-Managed sites such as war memorials and community halls, the management of flagpoles will sit with the appropriate local group, who will be responsible for the decision-making about what flags are flown when and how these will be flown.
Golden Plains Shire Mayor Cr Gavin Gamble says Council is pleased to have adopted the new Flag Policy which will guide the display of flags across Golden Plains.
“I'm delighted to announce this policy which will see the installation of additional community flagpoles at Council’s Customer Hubs.
“The capacity to fly an additional community flag will reflect our stance as an inclusive and respectful Council, welcoming and valuing diversity in our community.
"The new Flag Policy expands upon the previous policy to also include official civic occasions and all Council-Owned land.