The invisible will now become visible at GMHBA Stadium thanks to the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program.
Kardinia Park Stadium Trust (KPST) and the Geelong Football Club have joined the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower global network to ensure they continue to create an inclusive and welcoming stadium.
The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program encourages inclusivity, acceptance and understanding of people with a disability, condition or chronic illness that is not immediately obvious to others.
The Sunflower will be visible around the stadium and KPST and the Geelong Football Club staff will complete additional training.
Voluntarily wearing the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower lanyard or pin, indicates that person may need a little extra help, understanding or time due to their hidden disability or condition.
Head of Business Development, HD Sunflower AUS/NZ, Sandy Fancy welcomed today’s announcement. “We are thrilled that the Geelong Football Club and Kardinia Park Stadium Trust have joined the globally recognised Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program, demonstrating their ongoing commitment to ensuring their stadium is accessible for all who wish to visit. Sunflower wearers with hidden disabilities will feel supported at Geelong Football Club and Kardinia Park Stadium when they are met with kindness, understanding and patience from the dedicated team of trained staff.”
The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower is a welcome addition to a number of accessibility and inclusion initiatives already in place at the Stadium. In partnership with Kulture City, GMHBA Stadium has been a Sensory Inclusive accredited stadium since 2019. The stadium also offers sensory bags and weighted lap mats, editable social stories, a Sensory Play Area and a Sensory Zone with quiet space and a multi-sensory room.
Kardinia Park Stadium Trust CEO, Gerard Griffin reiterated KPST’S commitment to accessibility and inclusivity at GMHBA Stadium. “By adopting the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower, we’re not just enhancing accessibility—we’re fostering a stronger, more compassionate community.”
As did Marcus King, Chief Operating Officer of the Geelong Football Club “We are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible matchday experience for all our members and fans at Geelong home games, as well as for those accessing the stadium on non-match days. This partnership reflects our Club’s commitment to accessibility and inclusivity and ensures our staff are equipped with the tools to be able to support those with non-visible disabilities and welcome them to GMHBA Stadium.”
Inclusion Officers are also available during events and offer an additional level of care and service to patrons, while the Geelong Football Club offers an accessibility buggy service from two main entry points at the precinct. The buggy service facilitates safe drop off, transit from the car parks and general assistance to those with mobility challenges get to the stadium gates.
The Stadium also has two Changing Places facilities accessible via MLAK key, a premium Parents Room and a Multi– Faith Room with internal ablution facilities.
