The flag has been displayed on the bridge during the Reconciliation and NAIDOC weeks since 2019.
But when NAIDOC week ends on Sunday, the Aboriginal flag will remain in place on the bridge.
The Aboriginal flag will be permanently waving on Melbourne’s West Gate Freeway in a few days. (new)
“The West Gate Bridge is one of our most visible landmarks now, the thousands of cars that use the bridge every day can see the Aboriginal flag proudly waving over our city,” he said the Minister of Roads and Road Safety Ben Carroll.
Located in Bunurong Country, the bridge connects the interior of Melbourne with the outer suburbs of the west.
Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation president Kelly Lehmann said the measure was “important.”
“The Aboriginal flag represents inclusion, recognition and respect and making it fly permanently on the West Gate Bridge demonstrates this commitment to Victoria’s Aboriginal communities,” Lehmann said.
“This is an important first step, and we look forward to seeing how the Torres Strait Island flag can also be flown in the future.”
Work is now underway to determine whether it is feasible to also fly the flags of Torres Strait Island and the Victorian flag on the bridge.