Hidden Disabilities Sunflower

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Wodonga TAFE has adopted the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower to help support and raise awareness of those living with a hidden disability that may not be so obvious to the casual observer. In Australia and New Zealand 1 in 5 people are said to have a disability, 80% of these are hidden.

What is a hidden disability?

Hidden disabilities can sometimes be difficult for others to recognise, some examples of disabilities that may not be immediately obvious include autism, anxiety, chronic pain, dementia or learning difficulties.

Students studying at Wodonga TAFE can choose to wear the Sunflower in the form of a lanyard or wristband to discreetly indicate to teachers and staff that they need additional support, help, understanding or even a little more time.

As part of the Wodonga TAFE's involvement with the Hidden Disability Sunflower initiative, all staff are undertaking training to learn how to recognise the Sunflower, gain a deeper understanding of what non-visible disabilities are, and learn how to approach and support colleagues and students that are living with a hidden disability.

Hidden Disabilities Sunflower

Youth Spotlight: Del

Tuesday, 17 February 2026

Del’s journey into community services is shaped by courage, determination and a strong desire to help others. Originally from South Australia and now living in Benalla, he has lived across Victoria, each move contributing to the community‑minded person he is today.

After completing a Certificate IV in Child, Youth and Family Intervention at GOTAFE in 2024, Del is now studying a Diploma of Community Services (CHC50 at Wodonga TAFE—becoming the first in his family to finish Year 12 and continue into higher education. A gap year helped him realise that youth and family work was the right path, driven by his lived experience growing up in the Child Protection system. What was once a challenge has become his motivation to support others going through similar situations.

Del attends campus two days a week, with second‑year classes held at La Trobe University to ease students into university life, if this is the pathway they choose. His days are varied and engaging—activities, discussions, theory work, brain breaks, and time to get support on assessments. No two classes are the same, but the supportive environment is always a highlight.

What Del enjoys most about community services is simple: helping people grow, build strength and find confidence. Knowing he can make a positive difference is what fuels his passion.

Outside of study, Del is all about community, creativity and connection. He has been playing darts for around 18 months and now competes three nights a week in Benalla leagues. When he’s not at the dartboard, he spends time with friends and family, volunteers, knitting, crocheting and creates costumes for the local Scouts.

Del is also deeply involved in youth-focused advocacy and mentoring. He volunteers with the Connect9 program in Benalla—a 10‑week mentoring initiative run by Tomorrow Today to support Year 9 students with school engagement. Since April 2025, he has also served as a Young Consultant with the CREATE Foundation’s Youth Expert Advisory Group (YEAG), using his lived experience to help improve the Child Protection system for children entering care.

Looking ahead, Del hopes to work in Youth Justice or Family Services once he completes his Diploma. For now, he’s focused on learning, growing and “going with the flow”—though his drive, resilience and compassion make it clear he’s on track to make a meaningful impact on young people and families for years to come.