Australian Federation Flag
1831-1901
This flag was often referred to as the Australian Ensign. It was the chief symbol of the political movement, in the 1880’s and 1890’s, towards federation of the six Australian colonies. Groups, such as the Australian Natives Association and the Australian Federation League, used this flag to promote national consciousness and the need for federation; in so doing made this a veery popular banner. The Australian Federation Flag originated in the 1830’s as the proposed New South Wales Ensign. Manufactorers of the flag often made variations to the design to suit their own preferrences. Sometimes the stars for five pointed instead of eight pointed and the cross was light blue instead of dark blue in colour.
It was such a popular flag that it was still to be seen in the late 1920’s.