Hidden Disabilities Sunflower to shine at Nissan Arena

Nissan Arena, home of Netball Queensland, will now feature the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower throughout the venue as part of Netball Queensland’s new membership with the global initiative. 

A simple but powerful symbol, the Sunflower is typically worn as a lanyard or badge, that indicates a person may have a non-visible disability and could benefit from a little extra time, patience or support.  

Conditions represented by the Sunflower include autism, chronic pain, dementia, anxiety and sensory sensitivities, among others.  

The symbol was soft-launched at the recent Junior State Age event on the Gold Coast, where green lanyards identified people with a non-visible disability and white lanyards identified trained supporters – a model that will now extend to Nissan Arena. 

Visitors, customers and staff at Nissan Arena will see the Sunflower embedded across the venue in several ways, including: 

• Sunflower lanyards available to both staff and visitors who wish to identify a non-visible disability or support need 

• Sunflower signage and displays placed throughout the venue, explaining the symbol’s purpose and Netball Queensland’s membership 

• Dedicated staff training so Nissan Arena team members can confidently and respectfully support customers and colleagues with non-visible disabilities, with trained staff identifiable in the same way white lanyards identified support personnel at Junior State Age 

Whether attending elite matches, community netball, training sessions or functions, all visitors to Nissan Arena can expect a venue experience that is welcoming, understanding and accessible. 

Netball Queensland General Manager – Netball, Teale Blessington, said the initiative reflected the organisation’s values in action at its home venue. 

“Joining the Sunflower initiative shows our commitment to recognising and respecting the challenges people may be facing that we can’t always see,” Blessington said. 

“We’re proud to be part of this global movement to create a more inclusive world.” 

To learn more about the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower and how it works, visit hdsunflower.com.