A several years ago I was invited by the Ausflag Organisation to submit five conceptual designs for the Australian Republican National Flag Competition. Since their inclusion, I've become interested in the idea of an Australian Republic. Then one day I read the lyrics of our National Anthem and was shocked as I read the final verse. It's worth the read yourself in context to the republic debate. I'm not politically motivated. Politics does not play a major part in my life. But I do care about Australia's future, the direction and the governance in which it's taken. The influence it has over me, my family and friends. The lost opportunity the Replublic referendum resulted with, was dissappointing. I am of the view that we have grown enough to leave home as it were. If you would like to share your constructive thoughts on my designs please do.   Flag design number.1 The aim here is to retain more of our existing flag. The Southern Cross symbolises the remembrance of our past, and justice for all. The 2 angled stripes represent the sky (upper), and the earth (lower). The manner in which the stripes are depicted symbolize the formality of our nation. The background blue indicates our surrounding ocean. Finally, the spiralling dot graphic illustrates the coming together of the land, the European and indigenous peoples of Australia. I acknowledge I have no right to reproduce the dot motif in order to represent the native indigenous culture of Australia. I apologise whole heartedly for knowingly using it. Flag design number.2 The symbolism behind this design lies in its dynamic layout. Believing that our indigenous people should be recognized as a natural part of this wonderful land. The top left hand corner reflects our birth mother - Land Spirit. The sky is formed by Australia's dynamic and ever changing arid sunsets. The horizontal strip through the middle is ochre in colour representing the nature of the earth. At its base sits the deep and dependable ocean blue. The truly dynamic characteristic of this flag design comes from the angled spread of dots. They represent the spirits which connect the ocean, earth and day/night sky. I acknowledge I have no right to reproduce the dot motif in order to represent the native indigenous culture of Australia. I apologise whole heartedly for knowingly using it. Flag design number.3 The rationale retains the Southern Cross, reflecting our heritage. Its top half is flooded by a flat sky blue: a powerful colour featured so prominantly in the Australian sky. The mid strip displays the arid earth. Below, the deep surrounding ocean. The incoming dots from the left symbolize the spiritual indigenous peoples of Australia. The line coming in from the right symbolise our European culture. The point at which the two come together proposes harmony between the two cultures, and unilateral direction we'll take together into the future. I acknowledge I have no right to reproduce the dot motif in order to represent the native indigenous culture of Australia. I apologise whole heartedly for knowingly using it. Flag design number.4 The reference inspired for this design comes from our wonderful flat Australian Sky. It sits proudly on a mid strip of arid outback earth forming a momentous wave of future prosperity. The bottom deep sea blue forms the flag's visual base. Linking our heritage to our future endeavours is symbolized through the use of the Southern Cross. Flag design number.5 The foundation for this design bases itself on Australia's arid outback. The left hand colour block decends in order of sky, sun, land and sea. Historical reference is drawn upon by the use of the Southern Cross. The angled blue lines indicate the promise of future prosperity, as limitless as our piercing blue skies.