Council's flag policy, schedule adopted

Published on 18 May 2023

A new Gannawarra Shire Council policy will guide how requests to fly flags outside Council buildings or on Council-managed flag poles are considered.

Councillors endorsed Council’s Flag policy and accompanying Community Flag Schedule at its May 2023 Council Meeting.

The new policy governs the flying of flags outside the Kerang Council Building and Garden Park, Cohuna, locations in the municipality where flags can be flown on a temporary basis, and the process to apply for a request to fly additional flags.

“Requests received by Council last year to fly flags to promote causes within the municipality highlighted the need for a policy to address requests and where these flags can be flown,” Mayor Charlie Gillingham said.

“The new policy and schedule addresses Council’s compliance to the Flags Act 1953 and The Australian flags – part 2: The protocols for the appropriate use and the flying of the flag, which outlines the flying of the Australian, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island flags outside government buildings.

“The draft policy also outlines how residents can request to fly flags not listed in the Community Flag Schedule, including appropriate conditions.”

Residents were encouraged to have their say on the draft versions of both documents during March and April 2023, with seven responses received.

“Council thanks all residents who took the time to review both documents and provide feedback, and looks forward to working with the community regarding future requests to fly additional flags,” Mayor Gillingham said.

To view the Flag policy and accompanying Community Flag Schedule, please click on the Policies heading at www.gsc.vic.gov.au/documents