Campion College marks 125 years of the Australian National Flag with new flagpole

Campion College marked the 125th anniversary of the Australian National Flag this week with the inauguration of a permanent flagpole on campus and a special ceremony reflecting on the history and significance of Australia’s national symbol.

Held on Wednesday, 2 September, on the eve of Australian National Flag Day, the ceremony brought together students, staff and guests for the first raising of the Australian flag on the College’s new flagpole. The occasion coincided with 125 years since the flag was first flown at Melbourne’s Exhibition Building on 3 September 1901.

Campion College President Dr Paul Morrissey welcomed guests to the ceremony, noting that while the College has flown a movable flag on special occasions during its 20-year history, it had not previously had a permanent flagpole.

“What a pertinent year and day to add this small but important addition to our beautiful campus,” Dr Morrissey said.

The ceremony’s occasional address was delivered by Allan Pidgeon AM, President of the Australian National Flag Association, who traced the unusual story behind the flag’s creation.

Following Federation in 1901, a competition was held to design a flag for the new Commonwealth of Australia. More than 32,000 entries were submitted, with five almost identical designs ultimately chosen as joint winners. Their design formed the basis of the flag flown for the first time on 3 September 1901 and, with minor refinements, the Australian National Flag recognised today.

He noted that across its 125-year history, the flag has represented Australia “in times of war and peace, in times of plenty and in times of strife,” and welcomed the decision to establish a permanent place for it at Campion College.

“We hope the flag will continue to fly proudly here for the future, and that your students will enjoy seeing our national symbol … as part of our shared future together,” Mr Pidgeon said.

The ceremony concluded with the Campion College Schola leading Help of Christians, Guard This Land, with music by Australian composer Richard Connolly and lyrics by poet James McAuley. Dr Morrissey recalled Connolly’s friendship with Campion College and his visits to the College, describing the hymn as particularly fitting for the occasion.

The inauguration gives the Australian National Flag a permanent place on the Campion College campus, marking an important national anniversary while adding a new feature that will remain part of daily College life for years to come.