Endorsements for our new Australian Flag
People who believe the Sunburnt Flag represents our love and respect for Australia.
This would be a great flag to represent ALL AUSTRALIANS. Who we are and where we live.
I) Ali Golding 
BIRIPI WOMAN OF NORTH COAST OF NSW
OPERA HOUSE ELDERS ADDRESS 2000 RESIDENT & ELDER OF “THE BLOCK” REDFERN
ONE OF THE ELDERS WHO LED BRIDGE WALK 2000 IN SYDNEY
DIPLOMA OF THEOLOGY AT NUNGALINYA INDIGENOUS MULTI- DENOMINATIONAL BIBLE COLLEGE IN DARWIN. GRADUATED 2005.
Photo - Ali & chauffeur Stephen at The Block Redfern about to leave for Ali's meeting with Nelson Mandela.
ALI'S ENDORSEMENT:-
“I Ali Golding a Biripi woman from the north coast of NSW grew up on an Aboriginal mission 2 miles outside of Taree at Purfleet. As a child I remember the entrance going into the mission there were two great big tree logs each side of the ramp. Another one laid across the top. Also right in the centre was a big yellow round symbol and written on that was the word Sunrise. The symbols at the Mission entrance meant we were a community of a black race. The yellow symbol was the energy spirit connected with the spirit of the community and was a guiding light to our pathway as we journeyed this sacred land. The land and me are connected.
Today I look at the Aboriginal Flag that was designed by Mr Harold Thomas who is from the Avanda Nation in Central Australia and how the flag symbolizes all black people’s identity in this country. He designed it with three colours. Red the red earth – our relationship to the land. Black represents the black people. Yellow the sun it’s the giver of life.
My Torres Strait friends are so proud of their flag too. The star symbolises their islands. The blue is the sea. The black are the people.
I am now looking at another flag created by a non-indigenous gentleman by the name Stephen Berry whom I believe has been touched by the Big Spirit to inspire him to design such a designed flag. I hope when Australians look at this flag both non-indigenous and indigenous people can identify in every which way the Sunburnt Flag is designed. I believe the creation of this flag could break down all negative barriers so we can all live together in unity, harmony and peace.
Maybe this could be an opportunity for this country to be healed in the future. When I look at the Sunburnt Flag I think all Australians should be so proud, thankful and grateful to live in a beautiful land such as this. Because the stars to me on the Sunburnt Flag are the eyes of the Big Spirit looking down on his people watching and protecting us all.”
II) Deborah Ruiz Wall OAM
What I like about Stephen Berry's 'Sunburnt Flag' is the unifying elements in his design to depict our shared Australian identity:
- the Southern Cross signifying our unique place in the world, shining over our island continent - the sunburnt country;
- the red earth as the foundation of the spirit of the land;
- the incorporation of nature elements, existing flags (Australian, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islands) and colours;
- a space for accommodating state flags;
- the ANZACs honoured, with the sun rising over their spilt blood (red);
- his emblems also accommodating state and military versions. The disappearance of the Union Jack from his flag design symbolises Australia's maturity as a nation --- our break away from our colonial past.
I endorse Stephen's flag design as appropriate for Australia in our time.
Deborah Ruiz Wall OAM
Photo - Deborah, Ali & Stephen
III) George Poulos
I have been convinced for more than 2 decades that the correct designation for a "real" Australian flag is - "rising sun over red earth/blood of the Anzac's, under Southern Cross". Stephen Berry's design captures this designation perfectly. It is a simple, aesthetically pleasing design, with a clever rationale. Above all it is unequivocally and intrinsically Australian, something that the British naval ensign "defaced by stars", can never be.
George Poulos – Australian Iconographer & Vexillographer
Photo - George with his official Waverley Council Bondi Beach Flag, Ken Done T shirt & young Bondi Lifesaver in Rising Sun uniform.
IV) John Ramsland OAM – Emeritus Professor / Historian / Author says:-
“I think the design of your Sunburnt Flag is outstanding.”
3rd November 2006 - Tom Keneally's launch of John's new book - Remembering Aboriginal Heroes at Kincoppal.
Coauthored with Christopher Mooney (left of photo). John Ramsland presenting Russell Saunders' work of Stingray and babies (Belarn eoori) to the principal of Kinkoppal Mrs Hilary Johnston-Croke.
Full endorsement text:-
Stephen Berry’s Sunburnt Flag is a most evocative and eloquent expression of symbols central to Australia’s history, aptly demonstrating that the past is never dead and, indeed, part and parcel of our future. It draws together the many logos of the rising sun found scattered throughout our society, expressing the idea that Australia is an interesting refreshing place where everything is before it – and yet of working together towards a better future.
The rising yellow sun reminds me particularly of the famous hat badge of the AIF and the banner logo of the Sydney Sun – the chariot riding towards us out of the flaming sun, designed just after the Great War by the paper’s resident artist, a Scot who had served and survived on the western front.
The red symbolizes the vastness and mystery of the continent and tells us that the Aborigines were the original custodians of the soil, that we are all custodians together as Australians. The deep blue is both the dawning night sky and the deep oceans that surround our shores. The vibrant Southern Cross emphasizes our sense of place in the Southern Hemisphere, the clearness of our skies. The red and yellow, as well as being the colours of our amateur life-saving movement, symbolize our commitment to community and the safety of everyone.
Above all, the flag evokes the joy of belonging.
John Ramsland, OAM. Emeritus Professor of History