As part of the MCC’s commitment to improving accessibility and inclusion and making all MCG visitors feel welcome, the MCC is proud to support the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower.
What is the Hidden Disabilities 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 (anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, etc.),
- dementia,
- Tourette syndrome,
- visual impairments and,
- 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. Since then it has been adopted globally by major airports including Melbourne, Sydney and Gatwick Airport as well as RAC Arena in WA and the Hawthorn Football Club.
How does the Sunflower work 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 here.
How to collect a Sunflower lanyard
Lanyards are available for collection either before your MCG visit and/or on the day of your visit.Non-event days you can register and collect a lanyard from either:
- The Australian Sports Museum enquiries counter on Level 1 inside Gate 3. This counter is open Monday to Friday on non-event days from 10:00am – 5:00pm.
- The MCC Membership Services counter on Level 1 inside Gate 2. This counter is open Monday to Friday on non-event days from 9:00am – 5:00pm.
Event days (event ticket required)
You can register and collect a lanyard from either:
- The Sensory Friendly Space, located within the Australian Sports Museum on Level 1 inside Gate 3. This Space is only open during events (AFL, Cricket, Concerts) from the Gate 3 opening time until the end of the event.
- Alternative pick up locations will be advised for the Taylor Swift concert. Please check this page again in 2024.
Can't get to the MCG?
Visit the Hidden Disabilities website to browse all Sunflower items or to find other Sunflower-friendly organisations and distributors.
