Gippsland › Latest news › Latrobe Local News

Hidden Disability Sunflower initiative launched by Latrobe City Council gives support to people with non-visible special needs

Latrobe City Council joins the Hidden Disability Sunflower program to raise awareness for non-visible disabilities. Wearing the sunflower merchandise discreetly signals needing support, launching on 3 Dec 2023.

By news@gippsland - 29th November 2023 - Back to News

Latrobe City Council is now a proud member of the Hidden Disability Sunflower initiative. This globally recognised initiative helps to support and raise awareness of people living with a hidden (non-visual) disability. Through wearing sunflower merchandise, an individual can discreetly indicate that they have a hidden disability and may need extra time, support, or assistance. Council is set to officially launch the initiative on Sunday December 3, coinciding with International Day of People with Disability.

Sunflower symbol subtly communicates hidden disabilities, signalling the need for understanding, assistance, or extra time in various settings

Community inclusion initiative

Mayor of Latrobe City Council, Councillor Darren Howe, said this initiative will greatly contribute to improving both local liveability and the experience visitors have in the Latrobe City region. "Council has a commitment to ensure the community is a great place to live, work and visit. This is achieved through building an environment that is inclusive and welcoming to everyone's needs."

"Through the Hidden Disability Sunflower Initiative, we are able to support individuals who have a hidden disability, plus their friends, families and carers, whose challenges might otherwise be hard to recognise."

"We have such a diverse community in Latrobe City, and it is a key part of our Living Well Latrobe Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan and our Disability Access and Inclusion Plans to support these individuals through providing access to tools and resources that will improve their health and wellbeing," said the Mayor.

Sunflower merchandise

Free Hidden Disability Sunflower Merchandise is now available from the following Latrobe City Council venues:

• Latrobe City Headquarters
• Latrobe City Libraries
• Latrobe Regional Gallery
• Latrobe City Leisure Centres
• Latrobe City Visitor Information Centre
• Gippsland Performing Arts Centre
• Gippsland Regional Indoor Sports Stadium
• Gippsland Regional Aquatic Centre

Morning Teas will be hosted at Latrobe City Libraries to celebrate the International Day of People with Disability, and to provide an opportunity for people to learn more about the Hidden Disability Sunflower Initiative. Bookings not required.

• Churchill Library Monday 4 December 10am - 11.30am
• Moe Library Wednesday 6 December 10am - 11.30am
• Morwell Library Thursday 7 December 10am - 11.30am
• Traralgon Library Friday 8 December 10am - 11.30am

For more information, visit the Hidden Disability Sunflower website.

Pictures from Hidden Disabilities Sunflower website.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com