The Australian flag has been in use since 1901, was designed by Annie Whistler Dorrington, and features the Union Jack in the top left corner representing British claims to Australia. There are 6 white stars on the blue field - 5 smaller 7-pointed stars forming the Southern Cross constellation as a navigational aid, and 1 larger 5-pointed Commonwealth star. The flag commemorates Australia's status as both a former British colony and an independent nation.