This Southern Cross flag was based on earlier designs used in the Australian colonies. It was used as the battle flag of the Eureka Stockade in 1854. Captain Charles Ross of Toronto, Canada is said to be the designer of this flag. The rebellion was led by Peter Lalor who in later, life became Speaker of the Parliament of Victoria. Trooper John King retained a portion of the flag after the miners’ stockade was over-run on 3 December, 1854 and this remained in the King family’s possession until 1895. Today the remnants of the design are on display at the Ballarat Fine Art Gallery in Victoria.
The Eureka Flag (1854).