Decision details

Moved by Councillor Weldon, seconded by Councillor Miller -

It is resolved that:

(A)       Council note:

(i)         in Australia, 80% of people with a disability have a non-visible disability

(ii)        the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program (the Program) was created with a vision of a world where people with non-visible disabilities are recognised, respected and fully included in all areas of life, and where environments are supportive, accessible and inclusive

(iii)       the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower enables individuals with non-visible disabilities, conditions and chronic illnesses to indicate they may need additional support, understanding or time

(iv)       sunflower pins, lanyards, ID cards, and wristbands area available for purchase on the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower website

(v)        the City of Sydney supports the Program through an annual membership

(vi)       Hidden Disabilities Sunflower online training will shortly be available for all City of Sydney employees

(vii)      the full Program will be rolled out in phases across City of Sydney services, spaces, events, facilities, programs and operations, including staff training, access to Hidden Disabilities Sunflower lanyards and merchandise, and information and resources

(viii)    the Program will be rolled out from March 2027

(B)       Council further note:

(i)         through the Inclusion (Disability) Action Plan, the City of Sydney has made the following commitments to:

(a)        build an inclusive and accessible city for everyone, now and in the future

(b)        enhance the visibility of people with disability, particularly non-visible and intersectional experiences of disability

(c)        ensure that people with disability are provided with services and facilities that enable them to participate fully in the community

(d)        develop positive community attitudes and behaviours towards people with disability through community awareness and education

(e)        provide more equitable access to mainstream services for people with disability through better systems and processes and access to information

(C)       the Chief Executive Officer be requested to:

(i)         promote the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower online training to City of Sydney employees through the City of Sydney weekly “Our news”

(ii)        prioritise the roll out of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program to City spaces including community centres, libraries and public pools. This is to include training and capacity building for relevant staff and purchasing and distribution of Hidden Disabilities Sunflower lanyards and merchandise for distribution at these City spaces.

Carried unanimously.

X113759