Flag notifications and protocol
Find information about when you should fly a national and/or state flag at half-mast and when you should fly certain other flags.
On this page
When and how to fly Australian flags
Protocol for flying flags on Victorian Government buildings:
Victorian Government protocol is that, where suitable flagpoles exist, flags should be flown during normal working hours on or near government buildings.
Other organisations may also choose to follow these protocols where appropriate.
Where one flagpole exists
The Victorian flag should be flown.
Where 2 flagpoles exist
The Australian National flag and Victorian flag should be flown in the following order:
- The Australian National flag should be placed in the position of honour (on the left from the viewer’s perspective)
- The Victorian flag is flown to the right of the Australian National flag.
Optional: private organisations may choose to fly either or both flags alongside their organisation’s flag, where appropriate.
Where 3 or more flagpoles exist
- The Australian National flag should be placed in the position of honour (on the most left position from the viewer’s perspective)
- The Victorian flag is flown to the right of the Australian National flag
- The Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags should be flown to the right of the Victorian flag (the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags may be flown in either order).
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If five flagpoles exist, an organisation may also choose to fly an organisation flag or an appropriate local community flag, such as a local council flag.
For detailed information about flying and using Australian flags, see the:
Victorian flag notifications
Flag notifications are sent out for when you need to fly flags at half-mast for:
- the passing of significant Australians, notable international dignitaries and respected global figures with cultural or diplomatic ties to Australia
- a State Funeral or Memorial.
Flag notifications are sent out for when you need to fly the Australian National flag:
- on national days of commemoration (such as ANZAC Day)
- another nation’s flag on international days of acknowledgment (such as United Nations Day).
To receive updates about flag flying protocols and commemorative dates in Victoria, sign up to the Victorian Flag Notification Program.
By clicking this link, you will be directed to a third-party website, EventsAir. Your technical information (Internet Protocol (IP) address) will automatically be collected upon clicking this link. All information is stored in New South Wales.
Sign up for Victorian flag notifications via EventsAir.
If you have any questions, email flags.protocol@dpc.vic.gov.au.
Updated 27 August 2025
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