25 May, 2016

Half-Masting of all Flags

As a mark of respect for the passing of South Australian Aboriginal Elder Marjorie Tripp AO, all flags should be flown at half-mast all day on Friday, 27 May from all State and Local Government buildings and establishments in the Victoria Square (Tarndanyangga) Precinct Adelaide and the Torrens Parade Ground.

Any organisation, elsewhere in Adelaide or the State of South Australia, may choose to participate as a mark of respect.

In accordance with flag protocol, all flags and ensigns at each flag station should be flown at half-mast from the commencement of business until the close of business - or where it is floodlit and flown overnight, then from sunrise to sunset.

Should it be custom to fly the flags of other nations at your flag station, it would be appropriate to seek permission from the diplomatic representatives of that nation to half-mast their flag.

Her funeral will be held in the Drill Hall, Torrens Parade Ground, Victoria Drive, Adelaide on Friday, 27 May at 1:00 pm.

Marjorie Tripp AO was highly respected across South Australia and the nation for becoming the first aboriginal member of the Women’s Royal Australian Navy Service at 17 years old – in an era when Aboriginal people were not yet recognised as Australian citizens.

Ms Tripp received a number of awards including a Centenary Medal for her long service through Aboriginal care in South Australia and nationally, as well as being awarded an Officer in the Order of Australia in the Queen’s Birthday Honours in 2014 for her distinguished service to the Aboriginal community and her promotion of Aboriginal men and women in the armed services.

In 2015 she was recognised at the Premier’s NAIDOC Awards as the recipient of the Gladys Elphick Award for outstanding contribution of an Aboriginal woman to her community and country.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. Please contact the Protocol Unit on 8429 5135 if you require further information.