Shine a Light on Scleroderma: Support Sunflower Day

Sunflower Day is 23 March 2026 - Help Raise Awareness for Scleroderma in Australia


Every dollar raised supports the work of scleroderma specialist nurses and shines a spotlight
on this rare and often misunderstood condition.

Why We’re Lighting Up:


Scleroderma is a rare autoimmune disease affecting over 6,000 Australians – and many more go undiagnosed. On Sunflower Day – 23 March 2026, we’re lighting up landmarks across the country to bring visibility, connection, and care to those impacted.

 

When you support Sunflower Day, you’re helping fund scleroderma specialist nurses – often the first lifeline for patients navigating diagnosis, treatment, and daily life with this chronic illness.

23rd March 2026

97 locations across Australia

Date: Sunday 23rd March 2026
Type: National Awareness Campaign – Lighting of landmarks, fundraising, digital campaigns – wear YELLOW!
Locations: Over 60 participating councils and landmarks across Australia

 

📍 Find your local event or light-up site → scroll to the bottom of this page, locate your state, and find an iconic location near you and see it lit up for #SunflowerDay2026 in support of scleroderma awareness. If you can’t find one in your area, please get in touch and suggest one!

 

💛 Want to get involved? Email shine@sclerodermaaustralia.com.au

 

Want to know other ways in which you could help?

 

 

 

Check our Facebook page and Instagram for updates or changes.

How You Can Support Sunflower Day

1. Donate

Help us fund specialist nurses who provide vital support to scleroderma patients. Every donation, big or small, makes a real difference.

2. Spread the word!

Share our resources, videos, and stories on social media using #Shine4Scleroderma and tag @sclerodermaaustralia.

 Please connect with us here, and follow us to stay up to date so you can easily share our posts!

3. Light Up your Council or Workplace

Want your building lit up? We can help.

📩 Contact us to request a light-up location

Get the facts

What is Scleroderma?

 

Scleroderma is an autoimmune condition that causes hardening and tightening of the skin and connective tissues. It can impact the lungs, kidneys, digestive system and other organs. Early diagnosis and care from a specialist nurse can drastically improve quality of life.

 

  • Affects over 6,000 Australians
  • Often misdiagnosed due to lack of awareness
  • No known cure, but treatment and support can help

Learn more:

Tara's Story

Scleroderma presents unique challenges

 

People with rare diseases like scleroderma face unique challenges. They may struggle to get an accurate diagnosis and access to effective treatments, and in the case of scleroderma, people may have never heard of the condition before they’re diagnosed with it.

 

There’s not as much support out there for people with rare diseases compared to more common conditions. This can leave people with rare diseases feeling helpless, anxious and alone.

Many GPs don’t know much about scleroderma, which can lead to further feelings of isolation and hopelessness. This lack of knowledge can also impede treatment, leading to increased pain and discomfort.

We’re raising essential funds dedicated to scleroderma specialist nurses

 

To help combat this lack of knowledge and support, Scleroderma Australia is hoping to raise essential funds dedicated to scleroderma specialist nurses who will help support and advise people living with scleroderma in Australia.

 

Scleroderma specialist nurses provide information, referrals, and clinical assistance, including wound management and advice on dressings. Specialist wound care skills are a crucial part of the clinical role and include debridement and infection management – a specialism that is increasingly difficult to access in the community.

 

Our scleroderma specialist nurses are available via phone and video call so people with scleroderma can call for advice and guidance on topics like wound care, diet, vaccination, chronic illness, disability, and navigating Australia’s health system.

How Scleroderma Specialist Nurses helped Tara with scleroderma

 

Tara’s journey with scleroderma started when she began experiencing sore fingers while playing the clarinet, followed by foot pain. Despite being initially chalked up to post-illness fatigue, her condition didn’t improve, and she was subsequently diagnosed with scleroderma.

 

Living with scleroderma drastically affected Tara’s life. Simple everyday tasks became a challenge due to pain from standing for more than 10 minutes and contractures in her hand joints. To manage her energy levels, she had to carefully pace her tasks and rest after physically demanding activities.

Sadly, due to ulcerations on her arms, she had to stop working clinically and later teaching, eventually relying on a disability pension. Despite these hardships, Tara found a way to give back through volunteer work with Scleroderma Queensland and Scleroderma Australia.

 

The unpredictability of each day was the most challenging aspect of living with scleroderma for Tara. The pain and energy levels varied from day to day, and despite losing two fingers to the disease, she often found herself having to justify her disability access. Tara missed playing music, and while she was suggested to try different instruments, she remained steadfast in her identity as a reed player.

 

As a nurse herself, Tara emphasised the necessity of specialist scleroderma nurses. She felt that while she could navigate the system, many others might struggle. She believed this role could offer valuable support for patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers, providing information, advice, and advocacy about their care.

 

Living with a rare disease like scleroderma can be isolating and overwhelming. But with your help, we can provide a lifeline of support. Your donation funds scleroderma specialist nurses who offer not only expert medical advice but also a compassionate ear and much-needed emotional support. Give hope and improve the lives of those living with scleroderma. Donate today.
 
Join us in spreading awareness! Our social media kit makes it easy to share important information about scleroderma with your friends, family, and colleagues.
 

📥 Media Kit & Awareness Toolkit

Want to help raise awareness in your workplace or community?

Download posters, social media graphics, and email signatures here:

🎗️ Free Sunflower Stickers Available

Show your support with a free sticker mailed to your door.

How you can use our Digital Screens

These landmarks will light up this March 2026 for #ShineLikeASunflower.
Will you join us this year to light up a monument, landmark, or building near you? Get in touch!

Coffs Harbour – Big Banana –  26th March

Maitland City Council – Morpeth Bridge lighting – 23rd March

Newcastle – City Hall Clock Tower – 19th March

Northern Beaches Council – Manly Town Hall – 23rd March

Parkes Shire Council – Memorial Hill Monument – 18th – 25th March

WestConnex – M4 M8 Link Tunnels – 23rd March

WestConnex – M4 M8 Linx Roselle Interchange – 23rd March

WestConnex – M4 Motorway – 23rd March

WestConnex – M5 East – 23rd March

WestConnex – M8 Motorway – 23rd March

Darwin City Council – Civic Centre – 23rd March

Palmerston Frances Drive RSL Light pole – 20th – 24th March

Palmerston Water Tower – 20th – 24th March

Palmerston Recreation Centre – 20th – 24th March

Palmerston Memorial Park – 20th – 24th March

City of Perth – Trafalgar Bridge over Claisebrook Cove, between Henry Lawson Walk and Victoria
Gardens – 23rd March 

Mandurah Bridge Lights – 23rd March

Perth – Bell Tower – 19th – 24th March

Perth – Matagarup Bridge – 23rd March

Perth – Mount Street Pedestrian Bridge – 23rd March

Perth – Sky Ribbon – 23rd March

Perth – Northbridge Tunnel – 23rd March

Fremantle Prison – 23rd March

Perth – Royal Perth Hospital Helipad – 23rd March

Bunbury – Guppy Park – 23rd March

Bunbury – Historic Arrol Crane at Jetty Road – 23rd March

Bunbury – Koombana Bay Footbridge – 23rd March

Bunbury – Koombana Bay Foreshore Bunbury – 23rd March

Bunbury – Marlston Hill Lookout – 23rd March 

Bunbury – Marlston Waterfront – 23rd March

Bunbury – Navigators at the Koombana Drive Roundabout – 23rd March 

Bunbury – Richmond Reserve – 23rd March

City of Perth – Council House – 23rd March

Kalgoorlie – The Eastern Goldfields Community Centre – 23rd March

Kalgoorlie – William Grundt Memorial Library – 23rd March

Shire of Murray – Pinjarra Suspension bridge – 23rd March

Shire of Northam – Northam Suspension Bridge- 23rd March

City of Rockingham – Foreshore – 23rd March

Canberra – Malcolm Fraser Bridge – 23rd March

Canberra Times Fountain – 23rd March

National Museum of Australia – 23rd March

Parkes – The National Carillon – 23rd March

Parkes – Old Parliament House – 23rd March

Parkes – John Gorton Building- 23rd March

Parkes – Treasury Building- 23rd March

Royal Australia Mint – 23rd March

Brisbane – Sir Leo Hielsche Bridges (Gateway Bridges)  23rd March

Brisbane – City Town Hall –  23rd March

Brisbane – King George Square – 23rd March

Brisbane – Donna Marcus Steam 2006 – 23rd March

Brisbane – Kangaroo Point – 23rd March

Brisbane – Kurilpa Bridge – 23rd March

Brisbane – Reddacliff Place Sculptures – 23rd March

Brisbane – Story Bridge – 23rd March

Brisbane – Victoria Bridge – 23rd March

Bundaberg Rum Distillery – 23rd March

Cairns Courthouse Gallery – 23rd March

Ipswich – 1 Nicholas Street Facade – 19th – 24th March

Ipswich – Civic Centre – 19th – 21st March

Mackay – Sir Albert Abbott Administration Building – 19th – 24th March

Moreton Bay Regional Council – Caboolture Administration Building – 23rd March

Moreton Bay Regional Council – Humpybong Creek Fountain – 23rd March

Moreton Bay Regional Council – Redcliffe Administration Building – 23rd March

Moreton Bay Regional Council – Scarborough seat – 23rd March

South Burnett Regional Council – 23rd March

Suncorp Stadium- 23rd March

The Gabba – 23rd March

Toowoomba Annex (rear of City Hall only) – 23rd March

Toowoomba Victoria Street Bridge (Russell Street to Ruthven Street) – 23rd March

Bendigo – Conservatory in Rosalind Park- 

Bendigo – Sidney Myer Place (large tree) – 23rd March

Geelong – Catenary Lights – 23rd March

Kingston City Council – 23rd March

Melbourne Town Hall – 23rd March

Melbourne – Bolte Bridge – 23rd March

Melbourne – CityLink Soundtube – 23rd March

Monash City Council – Civic Centre Glen Waverley – 23rd March

Mildura City Council – 23rd March

Shepparton – Monash Park – 23rd March

Shepparton – Mooroopna Water Tower – 23rd March

Shepparton – Victoria Parks Lake – 23rd March

White Horse City Council – Box Hill Town Hall – 23rd March

Burnie City Council Offices-  23rd March

Devenport – Paranaple Convention Centre – 19th – 24th March

Hobart – Cardinal Lights – Mawson Place – 19th – 24th March

Hobart – Doone Kennedy Aquatic Centre – 19th – 24th March

Hobart – Elizabeth Mall – 19th – 24th March

Hobart – Franklin Square Fountain- 19th – 24th March

Hobart – Kennedy Lane – 19th – 24th March

Hobart – Rose Garden Bridge – 19th – 24th March

Launceston Town Hall – 19th – 24th March

Adelaide Riverbank Footbridge –  23rd March

Adelaide Town Hall –  23rd March

Copper Coast Council – Kadina Town Hall –  23rd March

City of Victor Harbor – Elemental in Ocean Street –  23rd March

City of Holdfast Bay – Michael Herbert Bridge (across the Patawalonga River) –  23rd March

Unley Town Hall –  23rd March

Let’s make 2026 the year more Australians hear the word “scleroderma” - and understand what it means.

🌻 Thank you for helping us shine a light, speak up, and fund care.