SeaLink Tasmania achieves Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program milestone, deepening its commitment to inclusive travel

SeaLink Tasmania has reached an important milestone in accessibility and inclusion, with nearly 90% of its crew now trained in the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program—well above the program’s 80% benchmark for certification.

Marked today on International Day for Persons with Disabilities, this achievement highlights SeaLink’s ongoing commitment to ensuring every traveller can experience safe, comfortable and inclusive journeys on its Bruny Island services.

The Sunflower is a simple, discreet and globally recognised symbol that supports people living with non-visible disabilities. It uses two identifiers to help guests access the right support:

• Green Sunflower lanyard or pin is worn by guests to signal they may need extra time, assistance or understanding
• White Sunflower Supporter lanyard or pin is worn by trained crew members who are ready to offer informed, respectful support

With 1 in 5 Australians identifying as having a disability, and up to 85% of these being non-visible, the Sunflower plays a vital role in helping people feel recognised, safe and supported when travelling. The program now operates in nearly 50 countries, making it one of the world’s most widely adopted accessibility initiatives across transport, tourism and essential services.

Simon Tamlyn, General Manager SeaLink Tasmania, said the strong level of training reflects his team’s genuine commitment to inclusive service.

“Our passengers have a wide range of needs, including non-visible disabilities, and the Sunflower program helps us better understand and support those requiring extra time or assistance. Reaching almost 90% trained is something our team truly values — it reflects the welcoming, inclusive experience we want every traveller to feel with us,” Mr Tamlyn said.

SeaLink Tasmania’s progress forms part of a broader national effort across SeaLink Marine & Tourism, with business units around Australia continuing to strengthen Sunflower awareness through training, community partnerships and inclusive initiatives.

Paul Power, Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Member Engagement Manager AUS/NZ, said SeaLink Tasmania’s achievement sets a strong example.

“SeaLink Tasmania’s achievement is exceptional. Reaching nearly 90% trained demonstrates a genuine commitment to supporting people with hidden disabilities. When organisations invest this deeply in accessibility, it sends a powerful message — that every traveller deserves to feel safe, understood and supported,” Mr Power said.

SeaLink Marine & Tourism will continue embedding Sunflower awareness across its operations, helping ensure more travellers with non-visible disabilities feel recognised, supported and welcomed every time they journey with us.

For more information on the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program, visit www.hdsunflower.com/au
To book a SeaLink Tasmania ferry to Bruny Island, visit www.sealink.com.au