A Werribee resident scored a patriotic victory last week after taking Wyndham council to task over the way it displays the Australian flag.
At last week’s council meeting, Lisa Heinrichs questioned why the council was not following flag protocol by leaving the Australian flag up overnight in front of the Wyndham civic centre without it being illuminated.
She also called on the council to show respect to the Australian and British flags by removing council advertising flags from all future RSL services held at Station Place.
According to federal government protocols for the appropriate use and flying of the Australian flag, it should be raised no earlier than first light and should be lowered no later than dusk. The flag may only be flown at night when illuminated. Moreoever, it should not be flown in a position inferior to that of any other flag or ensign.
Ms Heinrichs told the council the protocols had not been followed, which she found very disrespectful.
The council’s acting director of community development, Jenny McMahon, apologised to Ms Heinrichs, adding that no disrespect was intended.
“My understanding is that the [council] banners aren’t in the vicinity where other flags are flying [on Station Place], so that’s probably the reason why it hasn’t been considered,” Ms McMahon said.
“In terms of flags being kept up overnight and not being illuminated, you’re absolutely right – that is the protocol. If we’re unable to illuminate them in the immediate time, we’ll certainly look at having them removed every evening.”
Ms Heinrichs said she posed the question at the council meeting after complaining by email.
“It’s a small win after years of complaining.”
