The Victoria State Flag (1901)

In 1865 the Imperial Parliament passed the Colonial Naval Defence Act, it permitted the colonies of Australia to possess and operate ships of war. 

This led to the requirement of ensigns (flags) that would distinguish the origin of all vessels belonging to, or permanently in the service of, Colonial Governments.

The colonies were advised by the Imperial Parliament to adopt flags based on the British Blue Ensign, with their colony badge or emblem positioned in the fly. 

The Blue Ensign is a navy blue flag with the Union Flag or Union Jack, of Great Britain, in the upper hoist (upper left corner).

On the 4th of February 1870, the Governor of Victoria proclaimed the Colony of Victoria’s badge to be 5 stars, symbolising the Southern Cross, on a blue background. The Southern Cross is a constellation visible from the southern hemisphere.

A Blue Ensign incorporating the Victorian badge was flown a few days later on board the Colony’s first warship H.M.V.S. Nelson. With the unfurling Victoria became the first Australian colony to adopt a flag.

The flag was modified in November 1877, to include an Imperial Crown above the Southern Cross. 

In September 1901, the Imperial Crown was modified to the crown of St. Edward. This coincided with the accession of King Edward VII and with Victoria changing from a colony to state at Federation. 

Australian Federation occurred in 1901, when the 6 colonies of Australia federated to become the Commonwealth of Australia. 

The current flag dates from the 19th of September 1901.

The Symbolic Meaning

The Union Jack in the upper hoist symbolises Victoria’s historical link to Great Britain.

The five stars in the fly of the flag symbolise the constellation the Southern Cross, representing the stars Alpha, Beta, Gamma and Delta each with seven points and Epsilon with five points because it doesn't shine as brightly as the other stars in the constellation.

The Southern Cross is a prominent constellation seen from the southern hemisphere. It denotes Victoria’s geographical position in the world and is included on the national flag and other state and territory flags.

The crown of St Edward symbolises the role of the sovereign in government.