A fire truck is set to turn heads for a different reason when arriving in Gawler and Tanunda this Friday, 12 July.
A South Australian Metropolitan Fire Service (MFS) fire truck has been coloured green and displays sunflowers as part of an ongoing awareness campaign to promote understanding and support for individuals with hidden disabilities.
The sunflower, an internationally recognised symbol for hidden disabilities, serves as a signal indicating that a person may need a helping hand, understanding, or more time in various public spaces.
Member for Light, Tony Piccolo MP, was approached by an autistic member of the Gawler community, Christopher Geen, in the hope of bringing the truck to the region.
“The Sunflower Project means a lot to not only Christopher, but a lot of members in our community, and it’s important to encourage inclusivity and understanding for those with hidden disabilities,” Mr Piccolo said.
“We hope this visit will inspire greater awareness and support within our region.”
Mr Geen said the subtle use of a sunflower lanyard around his neck has made a world of difference to his everyday life.
“The other day, I was having a problem at a shop, and a nurse was passing and noticed my lanyard, so she stopped, sat and helped me,” Mr Geen said.
“Normally I wouldn’t have gotten that, and people would just walk past assuming I’m silly, and so it’s nice that now people are taking the time to help me.
“It’s wonderful the support I’ve received to make this happen in our community, and I hope people come to support this initiative as it’s a good thing to make people more aware.”
“Just because someone might look alright, they might not be and might need a bit of help.”
The Office for Autism and Hidden Disabilities were part of the initiative with the MFS, and the State Assistant Minister for Autism, Emily Bourke MLC, was more than happy to assist when both Mr Geen and Mr Piccolo asked for her assistance to bring the truck to the region.
“Christopher’s story highlights the importance of a Government shining a spotlight and creating the first and only Assistant Minister for Autism in the world,” Mr Piccolo said.
“It has meant that community members, like Christopher, have been able to have a point of contact in Government to learn more about initiatives like the Hidden Disability Sunflower.”
“It is wonderful to hear how the Sunflower Lanyards provided to Christopher by the State Government has made such a positive impact in his life – it is stories like these that show how SA’s bold policy agenda is making SA the autism inclusive state.”
Carers and Disability Link (CDL) Chief Executive Officer Kate Preiss is pleased the truck is also making a trek into the Barossa, where their head office and several clients are based.
“Its great MFS are supporting a cause which can often be missed within the mainstream media, so I think it’s important to come and not only support the initiative, but also those within our community who have a disability,” Mr Preiss said.
CDL Chairperson Monica Davies said the event is, “also a learning opportunity to understand more about the types of disabilities and challenges people face.”
The truck will be out the front of the Barossa Information Centre (66-68 Murray Street, Tanunda) from 10 till 11am, then at Gawler’s Apex Park (7 Julian Terrace) between 11.30am and 12.30pm.