Enjoyed the personal touch in this story.
Feature image credit: Magabala Books
Just over two years ago, South Australia’s Government House, as part of its Reconciliation journey, officially launched four new permanent flagpoles. A flag-raising ceremony was later held to coincide with Reconciliation Week in 2022. If you have traversed the area in recent times, you may have noticed there are now four flags prominently displayed.
While most people are familiar with the Aboriginal Flag and the Australian Flag, do you know about the one with green panels at the top and bottom, a large blue panel in the middle, and a white Dhari and star in its centre? This is the Torres Strait Islander Flag.
Our Flag, Our Story: The Torres Strait Islander Flag is a hardcover children’s picture book that provides readers with the story behind the flag’s design and explains the significance of its symbols. As this story is unveiled, the book also presents a brief history of Torres Strait Islanders, their culture, ceremonies, and beliefs.
Although it is directed at children, with its large font, minimal text on each page, and brightly coloured illustrations, I thoroughly enjoyed reading it as an adult. Towards the end, there is a dense double page spread of information about the Torres Strait Islands, which is particularly useful for teachers looking to open up further discussions with students. This is the type of picture book that belongs in public settings, any educational facility, and all libraries.
In the final pages we hear from the creators: the two authors Bernard Namok Junior and Thomas Mayo, and illustrator Tori-Jay Mordey. Without giving too much away, Bernard Namok Jnr is the son of the late Bernard Namok, whose father is the creator behind the flag. Bernard Namok’s flag design was the winning entry in a design competition in 1992 and was recognised by the Australian Government as an official Flag of Australia in 1995.
Wonderfully written as if a story being told directly to you from the authors, this book is highly appealing for everyone and a delightful way to share Australia’s history.
Reviewed by Rebecca Wu
The views expressed in this review belong to the author and not Glam Adelaide, its affiliates, or employees.
Distributed by: Magabala Books
Released: May 2024
RRP: $27.99
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