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 - Meet Griffin

Wednesday, 25 March 2026

From washing dishes to securing an apprenticeship with an award-winning chef, Griffin Ross has carved his own pathway into the culinary world through persistence, passion, and unwavering determination.

Griffin’s journey into cookery began in Year 12, when he took a job as a dishwasher at a local venue. Watching the head chef create dishes “out of thin air” sparked something in him - an excitement that quickly grew into a clear career goal: to become a qualified chef.

Despite working hard and showing initiative, Griffin faced several setbacks early on. He repeatedly asked for apprenticeships at different workplaces—only to hear “no” more than once. He worked as a junior kitchen hand, took on extra hours, tried different venues, and kept pushing himself to improve, even when the path felt uncertain.

Living in a small town with limited opportunities, juggling a long commute to TAFE, working part-time, and volunteering as a Cub Scout Leader every Monday night, Griffin kept looking for the right place to learn and grow.

With support from Wodonga TAFE’s Industry Practical Placement Coordinator, Griffin was introduced to Executive Chef Kimberley Fitzpatrick, an award-winning industry leader from Quartz Cuisine at Cofield Wines. After completing a trial, Griffin immediately impressed Kim with his work ethic, drive and eagerness to learn.

Kim saw something special in Griffin—his potential, his attitude, and his willingness to put in the work. Thanks to her recommendation, Griffin was formally offered an apprenticeship, giving him the opportunity he had been working toward for years.

He attends TAFE weekly, mastering new cooking techniques, from breads to meats to desserts (his favourite!). He’s learning in a supportive kitchen, gaining hands-on experience, developing confidence, and building the foundations of a long and rewarding culinary career.

Griffin says he loves working with Kim, describing her as “a great boss” and sharing that they “have fun in the kitchen.” The positive learning environment has helped him grow quickly, and today he proudly calls himself an apprentice chef in training.

Looking ahead, Griffin hopes to save up, travel, and explore where being a chef can take him. With his resilience and determination, there’s no doubt he will continue to achieve incredible things.