What is the Sunflower?
The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower exists to help people living with disabilities that are not immediately obvious.
In Australia and New Zealand, 1 in 5 people are said to have a disability and 80% of these are hidden. Hidden disabilities can include:
- autism
- anxiety issues
- mental health conditions (such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder)
- dementia
- Tourette syndrome
- visual impairments
- deaf or hard of hearing.
Wearing the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower discreetly indicates to people around the wearer including staff, colleagues and health professionals that they need additional support, help or a little more time.
The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower was established in 2016 and adopted by the MCC for the MCG in 2022. We are proud to be one of the earliest adopters of the Sunflower in Australia. The MCC’s venue partners, Delaware North and Securecorp, also support the Sunflower.
Sunflower at the MCG
We encourage you to wear your Sunflower every time you visit the MCG. Event day supervisors and selected staff members have been trained to recognise the Sunflower and provide you with the appropriate assistance during your visit.
Some staff may also choose to wear a Sunflower supporter pin so if you feel comfortable, you can also approach these staff members with any questions you may have and they will be happy to help.
A sensory friendly space, presented by the MCC Foundation, is now open at the MCG. It offers visitors some quiet and calm on event day, no matter the size or volume of the crowd. Find out more about the Sensory Friendly Space.
Collect a Sunflower Lanyard
If you are attending the MCG for an upcoming sporting event, MCG Tour or Australian Sports Museum visit, you can collect a lanyard in person. You are welcome to pick up a lanyard before your visit, or during your visit.
Collection Locations
- Australian Sports Museum (inside Gate 3). Explore Opening Hours.
- MCC Membership Services (inside Gate 2). Open Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 5:00pm.
- Sensory Friendly Space (inside Gate 3). Open during events to event ticketholders only.
