The centenary of St Clair Esplanade’s historic Hydro building will be celebrated next year and, to commemorate the milestone, building trustee Katherine Greer is launching a competition to design a distinctive St Clair flag to fly from its flagpole.
At the moment, a yellow flag with a big question mark on it has been raised to get people thinking about what they would like to see flying there and representing their community.
St Clair cinematographer, photographer and competition judging panel member Pat O’Neill said he would not rule out a laser-shooting sea lion flag.
"Nothing will be frowned upon.
"There’s a couple of sea lions out here that are much loved/despised by surfers — they seem to rule the roost up the sand hills a bit too — so it sounds very relevant.
"There’s also White Island, the shark bell, the Esplanade, surfers — there’s quite a few significant images here in St Clair that would look good on a flag."
Having a St Clair flag would help bring the community together.
"Flags are placed to signify territory. They also brighten up the neighbourhood and give a sense of place."
Ms Greer said other design elements could include nods to the St Clair/Sinclair families, water, sunshine, local flora or fauna, geological features, or aspects of local history.
Entries were open to people of any age, and entry forms were being spread far and wide around the city.
The designer of the winning flag would receive vouchers for $250 from the Esplanade Restaurant, $250 from Hydro Surf, $500 for accommodation at the Hydro Esplanade Apartments, and a physical copy of their flag.
The flag would also be able to be flown by other related organisations, she said.
The closing date for entries is November 20.
