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THE five bold stars of the Eureka flag represent the Southern Cross and symbolise unity and defiance.
It is a silent witness to the making of Australian democracy.
Yet, for many, the true meaning of the flag has gone by the wayside.
Instead, it has become a trendy tattoo (particularly among young men), a show of Aussie pride without truly knowing the reason why.
The Eureka flag was reputedly designed by Canadian miner and Ballarat Reform League member Captain Henry Ross.
It was then sewn together by three local women Anastasia Withers, Anne Duke and Anastasia Hayes.
The flag was first flown at the league's now-famous "monster meeting" at Bakery Hill on November 29, 1854,
During the December 3 battle at the Eureka Stockade, the flag was torn from its flagpole by Victoria Police Trooper John King.
Trooper King's family loaned the flag to the Art Gallery of Ballarat in 1895.
In 2001, it was formally donated to the gallery and is now on long-term loan to M.A.D.E (Museum of Australian Democracy at Eureka).
kim.quinlan@fairfaxmedia.com.au
chloe.biggin@fairfaxmedia.com.au