We refer to the submission to council for Gannawarra Shire to fly the United Nations Flag for Peace.
The United Nations peace flag is blue and white and consists of two olive branches encasing a picture of the world.
The flag is intended by the United Nations to be an “aspirational symbol” that would encapsulate “the hopes and dreams of people the world over”.
Such “hopes and dreams” include not just “peace” but a world free from disease, pestilence and war. As such one predominant use of the flag is as the symbol of promoting World Health – as in the eradication of transmittable disease by vaccination programs. Quite the opposite of the desires of those whose petition is before Council now (to limit council’s ability to promote vaccination in the event of any further epidemics).
The United Nations Flag is not an Australian Flag. It must be flown according to the United Nation Flag Rules. In Australia, since 1948, the flag is to be flown on October 24, the day on which the Charter of the United Nations came into force.
The petition submitted to the Council, wrongly quotes from the United Nations’ Charter which set out its aims following the atrocities of WWII and other totalitarian states.
The Gannawarra Refugee Support Group would always support the United Nations Flag being flown on October 24 as a reminder we all support the “hopes and dreams” of others.
Jacqueline Hibbert and Judy Worrall
On behalf of the Gannawarra Refugee Support Group.
