| Description/Remarks |
In May 1989, David Burrumarra wrote to the Governor-General, stating that the present flag gave no recognition to the place of Aborigines in the past or the present. He saw a need for a new flag that looked ahead to a time when white and black would work hand in hand for a common goal. Senior Yolngu proposed a design they felt met the criteria. They asked Liwukan to make a bark painting of it. They retained the Union Jack,'as it represents the spirit of settlement of the country. It is symbolic of the Holy Spirit and the place of the monarchy.' They added ' three of our most special emblems...They are the whale, the octopus and the Yolngu, which together form our coat of arms...These symbols belong to our clan and our clan alone.' 'I, the senior custodian of this law, put this flag to you.I request that you bring this matter before key people throughout the nation for their comments. I would like to send a delegation of my men to you to discuss this matter. Yours sincerely, David Burrumarra M.B.E.' from Cawte, J., "The Universe of the Warramirri: art, medicine and religion in Arnhem Land", Sydney, NSWUP, 1993, p.18, ill. |
