International Day of People with Disability

About the training

Council is running a free disability awareness training session for local community groups and volunteers.

The training aims to support the inclusivity of community groups and volunteer teams by looking at areas including:

• Understanding disability
• Barriers to access and inclusion
• Communication skills when engaging people with a disability
• Using inclusive language
• Creating a safe and inclusive environment for everyone.

Event details

• Date: Tuesday 2 December, 2025.
• Time: 9.45am registration for prompt 10am start. Finishes at 1pm.
• Location: Torquay Community House,  14 Price St, Torquay (activity room).
• Trainers: Anita Egan and Annie Loughens from Scope
• Cost and refreshments: FREE training, light refreshments available.
• Bookings: Places are limited, please RSVP to Access and Inclusion Officer Susan Firth-McCoy: sfirth-mccoy@surfcoast.vic.gov.au  or 03 5261 0600.
• Access and dietary requirements: Please let us know of any access needs or dietary requirements when you RSVP.
  

Accessibility features:

• Accessible entrance
• Accessible carparks x2 (outside 16 Price Street)
• Accessible bathroom
• Assistive listening Hearing loops available on request (please let us know when you book)
• Quiet space available.

During the first week of December, Council will participate in a social media campaign that aims to celebrate people with disability and promote awareness of access and inclusion initiatives across our Shire.

You can follow the social media campaign via Council's Facebook page.

Council will be launching the Hidden Disability Sunflower scheme at its Maternal Child and Family Health Services across the Shire on International Day of People with Disability, 3 December 2025.

What is a 'hidden' disability?

90% of disabilities and chronic health conditions are not clearly visible. This can include things like sensory processing, hearing, vision, chronic pain, respiratory disorders, and mental health.

What is the Hidden Disability Sunflower program?

The Hidden Disability Sunflower is a simple tool to share that someone has an invisible disability or condition. The program aims to make the invisible, visible.

How will it work at Council's Maternal Child and Family Health Services?

Sunflower lanyards will be available for families and carers to use at Council's Maternal Child and Family Health Services. 

Trained staff will then offer support such as understanding, patience, more time, or a quiet space.

The Sunflower program will be available at all Maternal Child and Family Health Services, including:

• Kurrambee Myaring Community Centre Torquay
• Torquay Children’s Hub
• Anglesea Kindergarten
• Lorne Community House
• Moriac Preschool
• Winchelsea Community House

More information

For more information about the scheme, please see the Hidden Disability Sunflower website.

If you have questions, please contact Council's Child and Family Health Team on 5261 0549 or email childandfamily@surfcoast.vic.gov.au.