Announcements, Stories - September 23, 2025
Intereach supports Sunflower to make the invisible visible
Intereach is proud to be breaking barriers for people with hidden disabilities through an important inclusion initiative.
The organisation has become a corporate member of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower, a globally recognised program that helps people with non-visible disabilities receive the patience, understanding and assistance they may need in their daily lives.
As part of this commitment, Sunflower lanyards and products are now available at all 17 Intereach offices across NSW and Victoria for staff and community members who choose to share they have a hidden disability.
“Wearing the Sunflower is a simple but powerful tool as it discreetly indicates to people around the wearer that they may need additional support, help or a little more time,” Intereach Co-CEO Yvette Buhagiar said.
“We are proud to become part of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower as it’s one more way we can show leadership in diversity and inclusion, ensuring people living with a hidden disability feel recognised, respected and supported.”
For Bendigo-based Intereach Customer Support Officer Andrea, who lives with a hidden disability, the initiative has had a personal impact.
“The Hidden Disability Sunflower empowers me to embrace my strengths and challenges, fostering understanding and inclusion in every aspect of my life,” Andrea said.
“Working at Intereach has given me this strength to be open and share my experience to help others.”
To celebrate this, Intereach invites the community to attend our official launch events at our:
- Albury office – Tuesday 21 October at 11am
- Bendigo office – Wednesday 22 October at 11am
Alongside this, Intereach staff are undertaking training to recognise the Sunflower symbol, build a deeper understanding of hidden disabilities and confidently approach and support people who may need a helping hand.
In Australia and New Zealand, one in five people have a disability, with 80-85 per cent of these being hidden. These can include:
- Neurological, cognitive, or neurodevelopmental conditions
- Physical, visual, or auditory disabilities
- Sensory or processing difficulties
- Respiratory or chronic health conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, chronic pain, or sleep disorders
Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Development Consultant Paul Power said living with a hidden disability could make everyday life more challenging, often in ways that weren’t visible to others.
“We are delighted Intereach has joined the Sunflower network, demonstrating their strong commitment to inclusion and accessibility across all their services,” he said.
Intereach Sunflower Hidden Disabilities Working Group member Louise (pictured left) with some merchandise available at offices.
“By providing products and training staff to respond with empathy, Intereach is helping build communities where people with hidden disabilities feel seen, respected, and supported.”
This initiative forms part of Intereach’s Community Capacity Building Plan (NDIS program) – supporting community members living with a hidden disability – and our Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan, which champions inclusivity, equity and belonging across our organisation.
“Intereach is committed to building strong, connected communities where everyone feels valued and included,” Mrs Buhagiar said.
If you would like to attend one of the launches, RSVP by Friday 17 October by emailing community@intereach.com.au
For more information, or to collect a Sunflower product, visit your local Intereach office, phone 1300 488 226 or go to www.intereach.com.au
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