SBS is proud to support the Sunflower
Some disabilities are immediately visible. Many are not.
More than 5.5 million Australians live with disability, that’s more than one in five people. For many, their disability isn’t immediately apparent. Hidden disabilities, chronic illnesses and neurodivergent ways of thinking can shape everyday experiences, from navigating a busy workplace and processing conversations to managing fatigue or communicating in ways that work best for them.
That’s why SBS has partnered with the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program. Across our offices, employees can choose to wear a Sunflower lanyard, badge or wristband as a discreet way of indicating they may benefit from a little extra understanding, patience or support. Colleagues can also become trained Sunflower Supporters, helping ensure the symbol is recognised and the support behind it is meaningful.
But at SBS, the Sunflower is about much more than a lanyard. It’s another step in our ongoing commitment to building a workplace where people feel safe to be themselves, where difference is valued, and where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
We know inclusion is never finished. It requires us to keep listening, learning and evolving so every employee feels a genuine sense of belonging, value and psychological safety.
The Sunflower program sits alongside a range of initiatives that bring this commitment to life, including our Inclusion Strategy, Inclusion Council, Employee Advisory Groups such as SBS Access, our Elders in Residence program, inclusive recruitment practices, and ongoing learning that builds understanding, awareness and allyship across our organisation.
For Senior Project Manager Claire “CB” Wainwright, who lives with a chronic illness, the impact has been profound.
“The Sunflower gives a face to chronic illness where I look healthy and able-bodied,” she says.
“Small adjustments in the workplace can make such a huge difference to my capacity. Having support from the whole business helps my colleagues understand how I move through the world and ensures I’m set up for success.”
CB says that support has transformed her experience of work.
“Being supported makes me even more loyal to SBS and more committed to my work. Eighty-nine per cent of people with my illness don’t return to work after diagnosis, largely because workplaces aren’t flexible enough. SBS’ approach means I don’t have to become another statistic. I can’t put a price on that.”
For Inca-Maya Heffernan, the initiative has also created something many neurodivergent people spend years searching for: understanding.
“Before wearing the Sunflower, I worried people would see it as admitting I wasn’t capable,” she says.
“But after multiple misunderstandings, I realised I wasn’t the problem. I simply process information differently.”
The difference was almost immediate.
“People started communicating more clearly and directly. What once felt like speaking different languages became easier to navigate. I felt more understood, more included and less isolated.”
She says that feeling reflects the culture she always hoped SBS would have.
“As a child, I remember watching SBS and seeing people who looked like me or sounded like my mum. It made me feel less out of place growing up in Australia.”
“Now I work somewhere that encourages people to be their true selves and embraces difference in all its forms. I hope sharing my experience helps others feel safe enough to do the same.”
SBS Access Committee Co-Chair Lucinda Edwards says creating an inclusive workplace means recognising that every person’s experience of work is unique.
“Our goal is to remove barriers so talented people can do their best work. The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower is one practical way we’re building greater awareness, understanding and inclusion, but it’s only one part of our broader commitment. We want every person at SBS to feel they belong, are supported to succeed and can bring their authentic self to work every day.”
Because when people don’t have to spend their energy masking who they are, they can focus that energy on contributing their unique perspectives, talents and strengths.
And that’s better for everyone.