Stories - November 5, 2025
Intereach leads the way to inclusion with Sunflower
Pictured above: LAC/NDIS Community Project Coordinators Kerein and Ben at the Albury launch.
Leadership, partnership and social justice are more than values at Intereach — they’re the foundation of how the organisation builds strong connected communities where everyone feels valued and included.
Intereach recently celebrated its launch as a subscribed corporate member with the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower at events in Bendigo and Albury, marking another milestone in its commitment to inclusion.
By becoming a corporate member of the globally recognised program, Intereach has taken an important step toward breaking barriers for people living with hidden disabilities — those that are not immediately visible but can significantly impact daily life.
The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower allows people to discreetly indicate that they may need a little more time, support, or understanding.
The initiative is not just supporting community members across the Intereach footprint, but its staff — who are the face and heart of the organisation.
For Customer Support Officer Andrea, wearing the Sunflower and working for an organisation that understands hidden disabilities has been life-changing.
“I started at Intereach nearly three and a half years ago as a trainee, and I’m proud to say I’m living proof that someone with a hidden disability can be happy, hold down a job, and exceed in life,” she said at the Bendigo launch.
“Intereach gave me that opportunity because they believed in my capabilities, not my diagnosis. Here, I’ve found a culture that values openness, empathy, and inclusion. I’ve been encouraged to speak up, to ask for what I need, and to trust that I’ll be met with understanding, not scepticism.
Pictured left: Andrea with Intereach Co-CEO Yvette Buhagiar at the Bendigo launch.
“Now, I don’t have to mask or worry about being judged or misunderstood. I can thrive — not just survive.”
For Albury-based Settlement Engagement and Transition Support (SETS) worker Magdalena, the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower has also had a profound impact — personally and professionally.
“As an organisation that prides itself on being for the community, in the community, this is an important step in showing how much we care,” she said.
Living with a hearing impairment, and with her husband being visually impaired, Magdalena said the Sunflower symbol has transformed how they experience the world.
“This little symbol has made such a difference to my life and helped me feel so much more empowered and in control when out and about in the community,” she said.
“There are so many applications where I’ve used the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower — from travel to supermarkets, VicRoads, police stations, and everything in between.
“For me, particularly in busy noisy environments, the auditory overload can be overwhelming. Wearing my Sunflower pin enables staff to take note and discreetly enquire about my needs — with no fuss and without drawing attention to myself.”
Some examples of how the Sunflower has enhanced Magdalena’s daily life include train staff identifying her needs and ensuring she doesn’t miss key announcements and airport teams providing support during flights.
“I find it difficult to express exactly what it means to be able to participate fully in the life of my community and know that I am supported through the wearing of a simple symbol,” she said.
“It means a challenging day can be made just a little easier. I can embrace my disability, help create awareness, reduce stigma, strengthen inclusion, and above all increase my confidence in leaps and bounds.”
Pictured: Magdalena (middle) with Intereach operations general manager Kerri-Anne Hyde and Paul Power from the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower at the Albury launch.
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.
Alongside this, Intereach staff are undertaking training to recognise the Sunflower symbol and build a deeper understanding of hidden disabilities so they can support people in the workplace and community.
Which, Andrea says, is what it’s all about.
“When we create space for people with hidden disabilities — whether that’s chronic illness, neurodivergence, mental health conditions, or anything else — we build a workplace that’s stronger, more compassionate, and more human,” she said.
“Together, we’re showing that disability doesn’t define us, but how we support each other absolutely does.
“This initiative supports Intereach’s Community Capacity Building Plan (NDIS program) and Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan, both of which champion equity, belonging, and community connection.
To learn more or collect a Hidden Disabilities Sunflower product, visit your local Intereach office, call 1300 488 226, or visit www.intereach.com.au
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