Boomerang Test #6. Symbols of Australia
BRONZE i.) Flags: Show you know the composition of the Australian Flag.
GOLD i.) Flags:
- Teach another Cub to correctly roll, hoist and break the Australian Flag.
- Show an understanding of the different ways of flying the flag, e.g. mourning, distress etc.
Australian Flag
There is a lot more to our National Flag than you might think!
The Australian Flag is made up of 3 parts
* The Union Jack, in the top inner (hoist) corner.
* The Federal Star, the lower inner (hoist) corner.
* The Southern Cross on the outer edge (fly).
CARING FOR THE FLAG
BREAKING THE FLAG
This is a special privilege and you must do it carefully so that the flag flies properly. The ceremony will be poor if the flag does not break! The secret is in the folding (make sure that it is the right way up).
Flying the Flag Flags which are strung together, or hoisted up a flag-pole, have a short rope sewn into the edge nearest the pole (hoist). On the upper end of the rope is a wooden (or metal) toggle, while at the other end is a spliced eye.
Attach the toggle to the upper end of the halyard (flag rope). Hoist the flag until it reaches the top of the mast. The flag is only ever “broken” at the top of the mast, even when it is to be flown at half mast. The flag is “broken” by giving the lower rope a quick, sharp tug.
The flag should only be flown between 8 am and sunset.
At flag-down, it should be lowered steadily. The flag should never be allowed to drag on the ground, but should be caught as it nears the ground.
FLYDid you know?
A flag at half-mast … is a symbol of respect for someone who has died.
A flag at flown upside down … is a signal of distress.
In Victoria …
* On a building with one flag pole, the Australian National Flag is flown.
* On a building with two flag poles of equal heights, the Australian flag is flown on the right (observer’s left facing the front of the building). The Union Jack (or State of Victoria Falg for state celebrations) of the same size is flown on the left.
* On a building with three flag poles of equal heights, the Australian flag is flown on the right (observer’s left facing the front of the building). The Union Flag is flown in the centre, and the Victorian State flag is flown on the left.
* On a building with three flag poles the centre pole being higher, the Australian flag is flown in the centre. The Union Flag is flown on right centre (observer’s left facing the front of the building), and the Victorian State flag is flown on the left.
* On a building with four or more poles the precedence from 3 and 4 above apply (gets complicated doesn’t it).
LEADERS LINKS:
The Australian Flag, page 41 in
The Scout Association of Australia (1973)
“Australian Scout Handbook”
The Scout Association of Australia.
[...] Test #6. Symbols of Australia BRONZE i.) Flags: Show you know the composition of the Australian Flag. ii.) Emblems: Tell your leader of two places where you would see the Australian Coat of [...]