The flag, symbolising the unity of all Torres Strait Islanders, is emblazoned with a white Dhari (headdress). The white five pointed star beneath it stands for the five major island groups and the navigational importance of stars to these seafaring people. Green stripes represent the land, black the people, and blue the sea. The flag, attributed to Bernard Namok of Thursday Island, was formally adopted during the 1992 Torres Strait Islands Cultural Festival and officially recognised by the government on 14 July 1995.