Winners of "The Australian Flag - Professional Design Competition" displayed in William Street, Sydney

The two winning designs from The Australian Flag - Professional Design Competition were hoisted today in William Street, Sydney, the Executive Director of Ausflag, Mr Harold Scruby announced today.

"These two designs are the result of a three-year process of professional design, national exhibition and widespread community consultation. The top 100 designs were displayed in leading art galleries and museums in all capital cities around Australia. The Australian people were then asked to submit their votes as to their favourite designs.

"The yellow kangaroo on a red and blue ground, designed by Mr George Margaritas of Richmond, Victoria was the overwhelming winner in the People′s Choice category.

"The winner of the Judges′ Choice category was Mr Franck Gentil of Ultimo, Sydney. He submitted a white southern cross design on a blue ground featuring a bold gold Federation Star in place of the Union Jack.

Mr Scruby added: "Clearly, like the Republican question of elect versus appoint, Australians are still wedged between the two symbols of the kangaroo versus Southern Cross. Ausflag will now commence a national campaign, featuring the two flags incorporating the slogan: "Our Own Flag - You Choose!"

There is no doubt that the majority of Australians want a flag of their own. This exhibition and promotion is part of the process of choosing the right design for Australia," he said.

"The directors of Ausflag would like to extend their sincere thanks South Sydney Council, who sponsored this exhibition. There are sixteen two-metre flags (eight of each design), manufactured by Southern Cross flags, on the median strip extending west from the Kings Cross tunnel."