Australian City Flags Reflect Colonial Times

Most major Australian cities, along with smaller towns, have their own flags rooted in colonial heritage. These flags often feature elements that may seem outdated and irrelevant to contemporary Australia, such as shields, animals, and Latin inscriptions. For example, Melbourne's flag incorporates symbols like a bull, ship, fleece, and a whale, reflecting its colonial economy. Similarly, Sydney's flag is visually complex, with multiple colonial elements and no reference to First Nations people, sparking recent debates about its appropriateness.