Redland City Council has been blooming with sunflowers since adopting an internationally recognised program to support people in the community living with non-visible disabilities.
Mayor Jos Mitchell said the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower initiative was implemented in Council in February 2024 and there were now more than 370 Council employees trained and participating in the program.
“By wearing white sunflower lanyards or pins, Council employees show those with a non-visible disability that they are there to provide support and extra help if needed,” the Mayor said.
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“The initiative encourages greater inclusivity, acceptance and understanding of people living with disabilities such as dementia, vision and hearing impairment and chronic illnesses.”
Under the initiative, individuals can also choose to wear a green sunflower lanyard, wristband or badge if they want to voluntarily disclose to others that they have a hidden disability and may require extra assistance when completing a task or activity.
The initiative was rolled out at Council’s Visitor Information Centre, Customer Service Centres, Redland Art Gallery, Libraries and Redland Performing Arts Centre, and then expanded through Council.
Earlier this month, Council held a group training session on Russell Island with the city’s Community Champions to welcome them into being part of the initiative.
“The initiative has been fully embraced across Council,” the Mayor said.
“In August last year, Council’s customer service centres took out a major industry award in recognition of their commitment to the initiative, winning the Diversity and Inclusion award in the Employee Experience Initiative of the Year category at the Queensland Auscontact State Excellence Awards.”
For more information about the initiative go to Council’s website page Hidden Disabilities Sunflower or visit hdsunflower.com/au/
