More than 100 people braved the winter weather to support the Sunflower Project Metropolitan Fire Service Truck’s visit to Tanunda and Gawler on Friday.
Painted in green and sunflowers, the truck attracted people from all ages as attendees had the chance to fire the water hose, climb aboard the aerial ladder platform and hop inside the truck.
The sunflowers symbolise an ongoing awareness campaign to promote understanding and support for individuals with hidden disabilities.
As an internationally recognised symbol for hidden disabilities, individuals displaying sunflowers with their attire indicates that person may need a helping hand, assistance understanding or simply more time during everyday activities in various public spaces.
State Member for Light, Tony Piccolo MP, was thrilled with the turnout from the local community, showing the support in our region for the disability sector is strong.
“Our office has been bombarded with enquires regarding Hidden Disabilities and how they can get involved and get their hands on merchandise to aid in promoting the initiative,” said Mr Piccolo.
“When the truck arrived on the streets, the roar from the kids brightened everyone’s day, and I’m thankful that the MFS crew were so accommodating.
“A massive thank you to MFS and the Assistant Minister for Autism, Emily Bourke (MLC), for agreeing to come along and making this possible, Hidden Disabilities for making sunflowers such a universal symbol and, of course, Christopher Geen – an autistic member of our community who came to my office to get the idea of this event coming here rolling.”
Mr Piccolo said Minister Bourke was amazed by the number of people in attendance and impressed by the success of the event and whole day, thanking those who braved the cold.
MFS Station Officer Neil Turner said the truck has been in operation since October last year, which included featuring in the Christmas Pageant in Adelaide, and said this event was one of the good parts of the job.
“It’s always great to interact with the kids – they always get a kick out of seeing us and the truck,” said Mr Turner.
“It’s also bringing hidden disabilities out into the service and sharing this great initiative and making everyone of all abilities comfortable in the community.”
Those who missed the visit to the Barossa and Gawler region will still be able to view the truck throughout the streets of Adelaide until the end of the year.
PHOTOS from the event for public viewing and download can be found here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/19EkZlZkvdwwpsa3xblE3lMVRviDOeTZn?usp=sharing