For many people, a sunflower represents happiness, adoration, warmth and loyalty.
But, a new initiative, to be rolled out in the region, will also ensure it means safety… on public transport.
Port Stephens Coaches and Keolis Downer Hunter (Newcastle Transport) are among the first regional bus operators to adopt the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program.
It gives passengers with non-visible disabilities like autism, dementia, chronic pain and anxiety a distinctive green and yellow sunflower-themed lanyard, which they can wear to signal their need for assistance.
Drivers from both organisations have been trained to recognise the “special sign” so they can provide the appropriate support, such as helping travellers to board or disembark the bus or navigating stressful situations.
The Sunflower is solely distributed in Australia by Bayley House, a not-for-profit charity.
“Creating a welcoming and supportive public transport system means recognising and addressing the diverse needs of all passengers, including those with hidden disabilities,” Minister for Disability Inclusion Kate Washington said.
“With one-in-five people having a disability and 80% of those having hidden disabilities, the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program is a crucial step towards making public transport more inclusive and supportive for all.”
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison concurred.
“The NSW Government is proudly making public transport in the regions more accessible for people with non-visible disabilities by supporting the Sunflower program onto regional buses,” she said.
“I congratulate the bus drivers and operators who have already embraced this initiative.
“I’m sure the Sunflower will bloom even further across the state in the future.”
The government’s support is part of a range of measures that have improved access to public transport in regional areas including the $800 million Safe Accessible Transport Program, Country Passenger Transport Infrastructure Grants Scheme and Transport Access Regional Partnerships Grant Program.
“For those with hidden disabilities, public transport can be full of unseen challenges,” Parliamentary Secretary for Disability Inclusion Liesl Tesch said.
“But, it also provides freedom for so many in our community… the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program goes a long way to support that.
“Making accommodations and support accessible is crucial for ensuring our daily mobility and inclusion.
“And, the rollout of this initiative addresses these needs effectively – a little help can go a long way.”
Free Sunflower lanyards can be obtained from Transport for NSW by emailing [email protected] or by picking one up at any of 35 selected train stations.
For further information, visit https://transportnsw.info/news/2023/extra-support-for-hidden-disabilities.
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