<div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>A new $2 coin has been released to celebrate the 30-year anniversary of the Torres Strait Islander flag being officially recognised as one of Australia's national flags. </span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>The Royal Australian Mint released the coin today, which features the Torres Strait Islander flag, however, it will not enter circulation. </span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>The flag, designed in 1992 by Bernard Namo, features patterns inspired by the reef, traditional fishing netting and traps. </span></div></div><div><div id="adspot-mobile-medium"></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><strong><span>READ MORE: </span></strong><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/truck-fire-western-sydney-m7-motorway/36f65ea8-f803-40fc-9034-32602f0bf204" target="_blank"><strong><span>Burning truck shuts down major Sydney motorway</span></strong></a></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>The coin features some of the same symbols, to "honour the meaning behind the flag's powerful symbols – land, sea, people, culture and unity," the Mint said. </span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Mint artist Elyssa Waterford also incorporated artwork by Erub Island (Darnley Island) artist Lavinia Ketchell on the coin. </span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>The blue on the coin represents the ocean, while the green represents the land, and the black represents the Torres Strait Islander people, the mint said. </span></div></div><div><div class="OUTBRAIN" data-reactroot="" data-src="//www.9news.com.au/national/new-two-dollar-coin-to-commemorate-torres-strait-islander-flag/b7e064d6-dbbd-45fe-b353-b38a2bb1272c" data-widget-id="AR_5"></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"This coin is a meaningful tribute to culture, identity and resilience. It's a proud reminder of the strength and spirit of Torres Strait Islander people, and a step towards greater recognition and respect in everyday life," Royal Australian Mint acting Chief Executive Officer, Emily Martin, said. </span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><strong><span>READ MORE: </span></strong><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/nsw-storm-weather-warnings-updates-heavy-surf-strong-winds/0bf05209-f666-43bb-a1a4-6874b73087ec" target="_blank"><strong><span>Heavy winds, dangerous surf hammer coast as storm recedes</span></strong></a></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Torres Strait Island Regional Council Mayor, Cr Phillemon Mosby said the coin meant was more than just currency. </span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"This coin is a national acknowledgment of the cultural richness and contributions of our people," Mosby said. </span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"To see our flag represented in such a historic and widely recognised way is a proud moment for all Torres Strait Islanders." </span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>The coin is available to purchase from the mint in two collector versions: an aluminium bronze coin in card and a fine silver proof in a presentation box.</span></div></div>