Australian Red Ensign

The Australian Red Ensign is the official flag to be flown at sea by Australian registered merchant ships. About the Australian Red Ensign The Australian Red Ensign has three elements, similar to the Australian National Flag, on a red background. The Union Jack in the upper left corner (or canton), the white Commonwealth Star underneath it and the Southern Cross on the fly (or right hand side) of the flag in white. History of the Australian Red Ensign When the Commonwealth Government announced a competition to design a flag for Australia in 1901, entrants were asked to send a design for two flags – one for official and naval purposes and the other for merchant ships. This resulted in a Blue Ensign and a Red Ensign. There was considerable confusion in the first half of the 20th century over the appropriate use of the Red Ensign as opposed to the Blue Ensign. This was clarified with the passage of the Flags Act 1953 which proclaimed the Blue Ensign as the Australian National Flag. The Australian Red Ensign became the official flag to be flown at sea by Australian registered merchant ships.

Fully sewn flags are made with poly woven fabric, which is also referred to as woven "bunting", they are appliquéd, using layers of fabric and custom stitching to make the artwork. Long-lasting, durable, as well as the most elegant and undoubtedly a keepsake item. These are made using the traditional methods of flag making.

Printed on a poly woven fabric similar to the fully sewn flags just less denier for the ink to penetrate through the fabric, this makes them suitable for indoor and outdoor use, this is the most durable and traditional of the printed flags. These are either screen printed or digitally printed depending on the artwork and quantities

When we refer to a poly knitted fabric, this is digitally printed and is the most cost-effective option, however it isn't suitable for longterm outdoor use

All flags are made in house in our workroom here is Sydney, and are finished with double stitched hems with UV stable header tape and UV stable recycled thread.

All flags unless specified otherwise are finished with sister clips, other finishes are available such as sleeves for poles, or loop and tail etc, if you require these please put the finish you would like in the notes when you view your cart. 

If there is a size that isn't listed please reach out to us 

How long will my flag last?

The life of a flag is dependent on a variety of factors such as wind, sun and rain. For tips on how to extend the life of your flag, read more here.

What can I do when my flag starts to wear?

We offer repairs on flags with early signs of wear and offer a recycling program for flags that have passed their fly life - read more here.

What is the standard size for a flag?

The most common flag size, for a standard outdoor residential flag pole is 2 yard (1832mm x 915mm).

What material will my flag be made from?

The most common flag material we use is woven polyester bunting, which is made specifically for flag making, but we offer a variety of materials to meet your needs, read more here.

After ordering online, you will receive an email confirmation containing your order details (if you have provided your email address). We will normally confirm receipt of your order within a few minutes of ordering.

We will attempt to send your goods via either Australia Post or TNT, within 2-3 working days; however if goods are unavailable delivery will take a little longer. If you wish to query a delivery please contact us at office@harrywestflags.com.au