Shining a light on hidden disabilities, one sunflower at a time.
The Sunflower Initiative Macedon Ranges
Shining a light on hidden disabilities, one sunflower at a time.
Since its beginnings in 2024, Britannia Avenue Botanical Emporium has donated over 20,000 sunflower seeds to the Macedon Ranges community.
Sunflowers were the very first flowers I grew from seed after developing a life-changing neurological condition. Living with hidden disabilities myself, those cheerful flowers became a symbol of hope, joy and new beginnings.
The Sunflower Initiative is my way of sharing that hope and giving something back to the community that has given me so much.
Seed Collection Points
Where you can collect your free packet of sunflower seeds in the Macedon Ranges
Cafes etc plus local seed libraries in the region.
Hidden Disabilities
Just some of the hidden disabilities we are raising awareness for…
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Autism spectrum disorder
Bipolar disorder
Chronic kidney disease
Chronic pain conditions
Complex PTSD
Crohn's disease
Diabetes
Dyscalculia
Dyslexia
Ehlers-Danlos syndromes
Endometriosis
Epilepsy
Fibromyalgia
Functional Neurological Disorder (FND)
Intellectual disability
Long COVID
Lupus
Major depressive disorder
Migraine disorders, including chronic migraine
Multiple sclerosis (MS)
Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS)
Narcolepsy
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
Parkinson's disease
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)
Rheumatoid arthritis
Schizophrenia
Sensory processing difficulties
Severe anxiety disorders
Ulcerative colitis
Gaynor Faye, founder of the Sunflower Initiative, shares her experience of living with multiple hidden disabilities in an interview with the Midland Express newspaper.
Sow & Grow Guide
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As an unmarried mother, abandoned by the father of her child, Selena lived in a time when women faced enormous shame and judgement.
Following a period of profound distress, she was institutionalised for life, and never had the opportunity to live the life she might have imagined for herself.
Follow the Journey
Join our Facebook Group and share pictures of your sunflowers and …
As an unmarried mother, abandoned by the father of her child, Selena lived in a time when women faced enormous shame and judgement.