The Swan River Flag

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The Murray River Flag is still flown on the mighty artery from the Snowy Mountains to its mouth in South Australia. In fact there are two versions of the Murray River Flag. Both appear to have surfaced in 1853; one is specifically used on boats in the South Australian waters, the other in NSW.

These Murray River flags had at least recognised the Swan River Colony with a fifth star included to represent WA. Another interesting fact associated with the Murray River was the Black Swan Flag flown by a commercial steamer company in the 1850's.

Not long after that date in 1857, the first steam ferry appeared on the Swan River providing easy access from Perth to Guildford . This barge equipped with a paddle wheel and named the “ Pioneer” was built by Perth businessman, Solomon Cook. On the momentous day, of the 15 th . Of January 1857--with twenty passengers on board she did the trip successfully. Her maiden voyage took two hours and five minutes. However, no flag is recorded to be flown on this maiden voyage.

The design team of three, felt the Swan River deserved its own flag. After all, they could find no history of any such flag having existed. The flag, it was decided should boldly feature the state's colours of Black and Gold. Because of the maritime connection it was decided to go Pennant shaped. This matched the many yacht club membership Burgees ( small pennant flags) that fly on boats on the Swan.

The yellow stars of the Southern Cross constellation on a black panel at the hoist of the flag recognise the Swan River 's geographical location. A crescent of bright white, light separates that section and meets a waving brilliant blue line through the centre to the point. This represents our magic Swan River . Two panels dominate the point cantons of the flag. Above the blue line is Yellow with a familiar Black Swam swimming. Below the yellow panel is a black canton representing the depths. Then capsulated in this section is a contrasting golden yellow reflection of the Black Swan.

Within that mirror-image is an abstract, subtle impression of a river creature. This recognises the mythical Aboriginal story of the creation of the Swan Valley where Aborigines have said, and a creature known to them as the Waugal journeyed from the ranges to the Indian Ocean . In its wake the curving bed of the Swan River was formed.

All this information was disgorged to the East Perth flag makers, Pennant House, where Graphic Artist, Nicholas Price, finalised the design. Pennant House have done an initial run of 50 of the flags. Of these the initial flag was flown on the motor boat Black Swan which led the sail past of the Claremont Yacht Club's centenary season opening on Election day on the Swan River.

This first production run of Swan River flags are numbered so get in early to have a collectors item.