Canberra's new design represents our shared journey toward reconciliation.
The design brings together:
- elements from the royal bluebell, the ACT’s floral emblem
- symbols from the Aboriginal flag and the Torres Strait Islander flag.
Together, these elements show unity, respect and connection.
The design reminds us that reconciliation belongs to us all. It is something we must continue to work on together.
A shared approach
We developed the design in collaboration with:
- the ACT Reconciliation Council
- the Office for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs (OATSIA)
- community stakeholder feedback from the Reconciliation Day event survey.
We continue to work closely with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to make sure the design remains:
- culturally safe
- authentic
- guided by lived experience.
The design includes shapes and colours from the ACT royal bluebell and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags.
Colours and shapes that tell a story
The Aboriginal flag inspired the colours and shapes in the design:
- black for Aboriginal peoples
- red for the earth and for ochre used in ceremony
- yellow for the sun, the giver of life.
These elements honour the deep cultural, spiritual and ancestral connections Aboriginal peoples have with land, sky, and community.
The star at the centre
At the heart of the design is a 5-pointed star from the Torres Strait Islander flag. The star represents navigation and the 5 major island groups of the Torres Strait. It aligns with the 5 petals of the royal bluebell. This connects Torres Strait Islander culture with the ACT’s identity.
The royal bluebell
The royal bluebell became the ACT floral emblem in 1982. It represents place, identity, and belonging. Including the flower:
- grounds the design in the local landscape
- reflects the strong connection to Country that shapes life in the ACT.
A local symbol of unity
By bringing these elements together, the design respects both the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags.
It creates a unique local symbol for Canberra. The design reflects unity, respect and a shared future for everyone who calls this place home.
A symbol for Reconciliation Day
The new design will appear across Canberra’s Reconciliation Day activities, including:
- community events
- family activities
- artworks
- cultural storytelling.
It is a reminder that reconciliation is not a single moment in time. It is an ongoing journey. One we walk together, listening, learning, and respecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices.
Why the design was refreshed
Reconciliation is for all Canberrans.
We updated the branding for Reconciliation in the ACT to better reflect the values and diversity of our community. Licensing for the previous artwork was ending This created an opportunity to develop a new design that is distinctive, inclusive, and culturally respectful.