Our people in Australia and New Zealand

Ally joined the team in early 2022 as an RMIT marketing intern and is our marketing coordinator. With a passion & talent for digital marketing, data analytics, and end-to-end campaign cultivation, Ally enjoys supporting our Sunflower members with launch, website and social media insights. Ally loves travelling with her dogs and spreading awareness of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower initiative across Australia and New Zealand.

Arpita is a seasoned DEI professional with experience of working with prominent Healthcare & Insurance providers, and in disability incluison with peak Advisory Bodies and government funded programs to suport open employment practices. She has also supported people from CALD backgrounds in open employment. Her background also includes experience across HR Business partnering and L&D, whilst working cross culturally in India, New Zealand and Australia. She is a passionate disability inclusion and Sunflower advocate with herself being a sunflower wearer as an individualand as a carer. In her work in the Business Development team she enjoys working cross functionally with industries in different sectors by understanidng their inclusion challenges and empowering them with the benefits and positive practices of the sunflower inititative and helping to embed the inclusion, that comes with it, in organisation cultures.

Nicole joined the Sunflower Team at Bayley House in February 2026 as part of the Member Engagement Team. She brings a strong background in customer-focused roles, along with her own firsthand experience of the impact and power of the Sunflower. She is passionate about supporting members on their journey and is driven by a genuine desire to help create a kinder, more understanding world. Outside of work, Nicole enjoys spending time with her family and her dogs. She loves exploring new places whenever she can, always aiming to leave as many footprints across the earth as possible.

“I’m motivated by the moments when people feel seen, supported, and able to participate with confidence because meaningful support starts with awareness, not disclosure.”

Paul is passionate about building environments where people with hidden disabilities feel seen, supported, and able to participate with confidence. He believes meaningful support starts with awareness, not disclosure. With over a decade of experience across disability advocacy, youth mental health, and community programmes, Paul works closely with organisations to embed the values of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower, helping create environments where people feel supported without pressure to disclose.

“Heightening awareness about this globally recognised communication icon, the Sunflower, is a conversation starter. Providing a simple yet powerful tool for people who want to discreetly indicate support, time or help may be needed and creating inclusive places across the country.”

Sandee joined the Bayley House team in 2021, a long-standing not-for-profit organisation here in Melbourne https://www.bayleyhouse.org.au/, which provides exceptional services that actively support people living with an intellectual disability in achieving their goals and dreams. Bayley House is the sole distributor of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower in Australia and New Zealand. Sandee is passionate, enthusiastic, and committed to creating long-standing, meaningful partnerships with businesses, organisations & sectors to ensure that ALL Sunflower wearers have Sunflower-friendly destinations across Australia and New Zealand to visit and enjoy to the fullest. Her WHY stems from her lived experience in caring for her parents, who had non-visible, chronic medical conditions that were challenging and painful, as well as her journey. When Sandee isn't working, you will find her with her family, walking her dogs, and songwriting as she has released her music on all streaming platforms.

“The Sunflower reminds people to be just a little bit human.”

Sharon joined the Sunflower Team at Bayley House in 2024. Bayley House is the sole distributor of the Sunflower initiative and is a long-standing not-for-profit organisation here in Melbourne https://www.bayleyhouse.org.au/ providing exceptional services that actively support people living with an intellectual disability to realise and reach their goals and dreams. Sharon has extensive experience managing business initiatives in the not-for-profit sector, including community development, disability, and social enterprise – choosing to work ‘for purpose’. In her spare time, Sharon enjoys life near the beach with her family and friends, sings a little tune every so often, and loves going to live music events. She is passionate about helping organisations become ‘Sunflower friendly’ in the hope for greater empathy and to cultivate an environment where everyone feels safe to be themselves and thrive! The Sunflower is a simple communication tool to raise awareness and understanding leading to improved experiences; especially for those living with a disability that may be difficult to recognise.

James worked as a lawyer and consultant for 20 years, including starting a legal and consulting firm with a colleague in 2011. In 2018 James fell ill with what was later diagnosed as Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) and Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (also known as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome). In late 2023 after a period of part-time work to try and manage his condition, James ceased employment to focus on trying to manage his health. James is a regular wearer of the Sunflower, particularly in transport and big event environments. James started supporting the Sunflower organisation as an Ambassador in early 2025 and loves helping the amazing team to grow awareness of and support people with hidden disabilities. James is our 2026 Sunflower Conversations podcast facilitator.