Our vision and mission
To be the first choice provider of services for people with blindness or low vision that enables a lifetime of independence.
Our purpose
We see beyond sight loss. We find ways to support independence. We look for solutions to make big differences. We create connected communities.
Our values
Our values
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Our Clients come first in everything we do.
We believe everyone should have access to the support and tools required to live a free and independent life.
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Lead with head and heart.
Forever focused on our purpose and mission, we combine care and careful planning to deliver successes worth celebrating.
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Never stop exploring.
We’re fearlessly creative. We’ve always asked and answered the tough questions and if there’s a better way, we’ll find it.
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Walk the talk.
The buck stops with us. So we keep our word and keep going, no matter what.
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Lift each other.
From a guiding hand to a high five, we unleash and acknowledge everyone’s potential.
Key messages.
A message from our CEO
Thank you for your commitment, passion and endurance.
A message from our CEO
Thank you for your commitment, passion and endurance.
As we farewell another financial year, I would like to take this opportunity, on behalf of the entire Executive Leadership Team, to sincerely thank all Clients, staff, volunteers and supporters of Guide Dogs Victoria for your commitment, passion and endurance, in what has been one of the most challenging years on record for Australia, and for our organisation.
I was immensely proud to witness the way our staff, volunteers and donors rallied together during the height of the pandemic to ensure first and foremost, that our Clients were supported and remained connected. It is testament to the values and behaviours that underpin our culture that put our Clients front and centre of every decision we make.
While it was an extremely challenging year, there is much to be grateful for and many achievements to celebrate. However, our achievements are not ours alone. As an organisation whose very existence is reliant on the generosity of our community, we are sincerely thankful to have ongoing support from such incredible supporters.
From our Puppy Pals to our Major Sponsors and National Corporate Partners, your continued commitment to Guide Dogs Victoria is what makes it possible for us to continue striving to make a difference in the lives of Victorians living with low vision or blindness.
Since 1957, Guide Dogs has been committed to creating a safer and more accessible world, and helping people regain the skills, confidence and independence they need to live the life of their choosing. While we find ourselves facing a new way of working and interacting, this mission remains unchanged and our dedication unwavering.
So, as we emerge from one of the most uncertain periods in Guide Dogs history, and indeed one of the most challenging periods for all Australians, our focus turns to the lessons we have learnt, the experiences that have shaped us during this time, and what we need to do to support Victorians with low vision or blindness to keep looking – and taking enormous strides – forward.
Karen Hayes AM DSJ and Willow
Chief Executive Officer and Ambassador Dog
Guide Dogs Victoria
A message from our Chair
Positively demonstrating our commitment to a unified purpose and consistency.
A message from the Chair
Positively demonstrating our commitment to a unified purpose and consistency.
The last financial year was another defining year for Guide Dogs Victoria. We took enormous strides with our campus redevelopment, and the progress both onsite and in our fundraising efforts for this project have been truly astounding.
It has been incredibly inspiring for both the Guide Dogs Victoria and Guide Dogs NSW/ACT Board of Directors to witness the increasing level of collaboration between both organisations, with our three Centres of Excellence positively demonstrating our commitment to a unified purpose and consistency in fundraising, marketing, and the breeding, raising and training of our wonderful dogs.
Even during the toughest of times, I have witnessed the team at Guide Dogs Victoria maintain their commitment to providing consistency and continuity of care to their Clients. In speaking with Clients, the Guide Dogs Victoria team knows there are those who are losing confidence as their world seems to close in around them. They are afraid of losing the skills they had worked so hard to learn, and the independence for which they fought so hard.
For over 60 years, we have been in the business of finding creative solutions to help people achieve their goals, and this situation is no different. We also now have the benefit of technology – right at our fingertips – and there are always options including telepractice. Now is the time for us to be innovative, and as COVID-19 case numbers continue to rise, the Guide Dogs Victoria family is learning to work with each other to pivot and to try new things.
On a more personal note, I have been so proud to support and be a part of the evolution of Guide Dogs Victoria’s first Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). Through my involvement with Guide Dogs Victoria, I have seen firsthand the importance of creating a safe, respectful and accessible environment where everyone can expect equity of care.
While this is a big step for Guide Dogs Victoria, it is only the first, and I am excited for what is yet to come; both in our journey towards closing the gap for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples but also in creating a culturally safe organisation for staff, Clients, volunteers and donors from all walks of life.
We may be a heritage brand but our dedication to evolving in line with the changing needs of our community is something I am very privileged and proud to be a part of as Chair of the Guide Dogs Victoria Board of Directors.
I know I speak for the entire Guide Dogs Victoria Board of Directors when I say we are all so fortunate to be overseeing such a fantastic and dedicated team. Our sincere gratitude also goes to Karen Hayes and the Guide Dogs Victoria Executive Leadership Team for their direction and leadership during this time, and to all Guide Dogs Victoria staff, volunteers and supporters for their continued commitment to providing high-quality services and supports to Victorians with low vision or blindness.
Iain Edwards
Chair, Board of Directors
Guide Dogs Victoria
A message from our Patron
Never has this resilience been more critical, or more appreciated.
A message from our Patron
Never has this resilience been more critical, or more appreciated.
As Patron, I congratulate Guide Dogs Victoria for the way in which it has forged ahead through all the uncertainty and change that the last year has held, firmly retaining its focus on the needs of its Clients.
The determination of staff and volunteers, combined with the faith and trust of supporters, saw Guide Dogs Victoria discover new ways to continue providing the vital services for which they have been known and respected for more than 60 years.
I thank everyone connected with Guide Dogs Victoria for such unwavering commitment to the health and wellbeing of their community. Never have your resilience, the care that you have shown and the hope that you have offered been more important.
The Honourable Linda Dessau AC
Governor of Victoria
Our Clients.
hours of Client Services delivered including 6,933 hours for regional Clients.
Client programs delivered.
lives positively impacted through our services, including Clients and their support networks.
Services breakdown by type.
- Orientation and Mobility Training (adults and children) — 31%
- Guide Dog Mobility Training — 28%
- National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Support Coordination — 13%
- Occupational Therapy — 11%
- Assistive Technology — 8%
- Orthoptists — 8%
- Early Childhood Services — 1%
Guide Dogs helped me in my darkest hour. I wouldn’t be where I am today without Guide Dogs.
Guide Dogs Victoria Client Kadek
Kadek’s epic ride for Guide Dogs.
Guide Dogs Victoria Client Kadek moved to Australia from Bali at the age of ten and that same year, tragically lost his left eye after an accident. A decade on, Kadek witnessed an assault. Knowing he couldn’t just stand by, he made the decision to intercept. While this decision saved a person’s life, it also cost Kadek most of the sight in his remaining eye.
That’s when Kadek turned to Guide Dogs Victoria for support.
Orientation and Mobility Instructor Mandy was the first person Kadek met from Guide Dogs Victoria.
“Mandy pushed me to believe that I could do anything. I was still a bit afraid, and was at the point where I felt like I didn’t know anything anymore.”
After working with Mandy for a few months to learn new techniques to regain his freedom and confidence, Kadek started to think about the possibility of a Guide Dog.
In August 2020, as Kadek approached his 30th birthday, he got the phone call he had been waiting for – we had a dog for him.
“This was the best news ever. I had feelings of excitement and relief. I knew that I would now have a companion instead of trying to make it on my own.”
That same month, Kadek met Guide Dog Livinia. “Meeting Livinia was love at first sight and we bonded straight away. I was already independent, but since getting Livinia, I have a new sense of independence. Sometimes she makes me feel like I don’t even have a disability – I have complete trust in her.”
This newfound independence led to Kadek embarking on an epic mission in May 2021 – riding more than 900kms over nine days on his tandem bicycle from Melbourne to Sydney, raising over $15,000 for Guide Dogs Victoria.
Kadek is now working towards opening a gym where he can help people with their physical and mental health.
“My mental health is amazing and life has completely changed. Guide Dogs helped me in my darkest hour. I wouldn’t be where I am today without Guide Dogs. I wanted to give back and show people that no matter what you are going through, you can achieve anything with determination.”
Other programs.
Access Consulting.
Young Adult Programs.
Young Adults Program
For the third year in a row, The Collier Charitable Fund is supporting the Guide Dogs Victoria Young Adults Program (YAP).
YAP provides enriching group activities for young Victorians (aged 18-35) living with low vision or blindness; empowering participants to socialise, become independent, gain confidence and reach their full potential.
As with so many programs in 2020, the YAP team needed to pivot to meet the needs of our Clients during COVID-19, and as such, the group transitioned to online sessions. As well as bi-monthly activities including an online mental health workshop, murder mystery party, concert, and comedy show, the team also facilitated Zoom catch-ups for social interaction every three weeks throughout the year.
In order to further enrich and inspire our participants during COVID-19, Guide Dogs Victoria also offered YAP members the chance to undertake personal development opportunities in areas of interest to them.
YAP participants undertook music lessons (singing) through the Josh Cohen School of Music, Art Therapy through Dayne Beams Health of Mind Workshops, mental health workshops through the Love Me Love You Foundation and short courses including drawing and public speaking through the Centre for Adult Education.
These opportunities proved to be hugely successful, and we received some fantastic feedback from those who participated:
“The singing lessons have had a positive effect on my mental health and wellbeing during COVID-19. They gave me something to look forward to every week, provided me with a creative outlet and helped me to manage my anxiety.”
“My experience doing the mental health course was great and I definitely learnt a lot from it, not just about mental health but myself as well”.
During 2020, participation in YAP increased to 74 participants from all around Victoria, with online sessions enabling people in rural and regional Victoria to join. We are so proud of our YAP team for their agility and innovation in the face of a global pandemic, and of all our YAP participants for their commitment to the group, and to their own development, during an enormously challenging year.
Guide Dogs Victoria thanks The Collier Charitable Fund for their support of this amazing program.
Our dogs.
hours of dog training sessions.
puppies born at Cute HQ.
working Therapy / Assistance Dogs in the community.
working Guide Dogs in the community.
Collaboration proves crucial during COVID-19.
Collaboration proves crucial during COVID-19.
During COVID-19 lockdowns, telehealth practices went a long way towards supporting those who needed us the most – but what about our dogs? After all, they still needed to graduate on time so they could go on to make a vital difference in the lives of people with low vision or blindness. But COVID-19 restrictions had drastically limited the number of Guide Dog Trainers allowed on site and this was one group of students who couldn’t be home-schooled.
That’s when the true spirit of collaboration and innovation shared by Guide Dogs Victoria and their community really kicked into high gear. After hearing Guide Dogs Victoria CEO Karen Hayes on 89.9 The Light FM, a listener contacted the radio station to see how they could help. This listener connected us with the General Manager of the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC), an iconic Melbourne venue that was closed to the public during lockdown, and before long a partnership was struck between Guide Dogs and MCEC.
Through this initiative, MCEC provided an environment that was safe, contained, accessible and free of charge for our Trainers to continue indoor and outdoor training with pups and Handlers, in keeping with Government restrictions. Our Guide Dog Mobility Instructors and Clients began training at MCEC in September 2020 and will continue using the venue as a training space while the space is not in use.
The collaboration with MCEC had made a significant difference to Guide Dogs Victoria being able to continue delivering Guide Dog services during these challenging times; allowing us to continue to provide essential services to Clients and train life-changing Guide Dogs.
MCEC gave us a space in which our Clients and dogs could still train in ‘real-world’ situations. They could practice navigating escalators, elevators, stairs, and chairs to name a few examples, but in an environment that was safely contained and controlled.
MCEC Chief Executive, Peter King said the venue shared our commitment to creating welcoming and inclusive spaces for people with low vision or blindness.
“We have an environment that is accessible and safe for GDV to provide their training and essential services and in these unpredictable times we need to pull together as a community and be resourceful to help those who need our support.”
As well as the invaluable support of the team at MCEC, Guide Dogs NSW/ACT (GDN) also stepped in to help our pups progress. Six pups in training were driven up to GDN in August 2020 where they were greeted by Guide Dog Trainer, Gina.
Zadek, Zenda, Zosh, Carla, Watson and Volku quickly settled into their new home where they would spend the next three months being cared for – and of course, put through their paces – by Gina and the GDN team.
In November 2020, five of the pups had taken the next steps towards their new careers with two placed as Therapy Dogs in NSW, and three returning to Guide Dogs Victoria, ready for their final assessment to become fully qualified Guide Dogs. (While enthusiastic and loveable, the sixth pup Zadek didn’t quite have the skills needed to become a working dog and was reclassified and placed into a new home as a beloved pet.)
This was a huge achievement, not only for our Trainers across both states but for the volunteer Puppy Raisers who had opened their homes and hearts to these pups who then faced an uncertain future once COVID-19 restrictions tightened.
Most importantly, the trust placed in us by MCEC and the strong bond we share with other Guide Dogs organisations – both nationally and internationally – led to improved outcomes for our Clients amidst some of the toughest times we have experienced as an organisation, and as a community.
COVID-19 Collaboration
We matched 67 dogs with their new Handlers including:
Ambassador Dogs.
Breeding Stock Dogs.
Guide Dogs.
Therapy Dogs.
Our people.
John Gosling AM
Celebrating 50 incredible years.
In 2021, John Gosling AM, was honoured with a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for significant service to people who are blind or have low vision in the same week he celebrated 50 years of working with Guide Dogs Victoria.
John Gosling AM
Celebrating 50 incredible years.
In 2021, John Gosling AM, often referred to as the ‘Elder Statesman of Guide Dogs’ in Australia was honoured with a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for significant service to people who are blind or have low vision in the same week he celebrated 50 years of working with Guide Dogs Victoria.
John decided at age 16 that he would spend his life working with Guide Dogs but had to wait six long years to turn the then minimum application age of 22. In that time, he was called up for national service and served in Vietnam. He even wore his army uniform to his Guide Dogs interview upon his return, hoping that it would help secure him the job.
John can’t put an exact figure on the ‘thousands’ of life-changing Guide Dogs and Clients he has directly or indirectly has worked with in the 50 years since. What is certain is the integral role he has played in the organisation expanding its services beyond the much loved and iconic Guide Dog – to now providing a wide range of services to enhance the independence of people living with low vision or blindness.
When asked what he is most proud of from his half-century tenure, John doesn’t point to one single personal achievement. Instead, he says, “It’s the freedom and independence Guide Dogs help bring to people with low vision or blindness. Experiencing the trust Clients place in our staff and in our beautiful, dedicated dogs is a real honour.”
Reflecting on his legacy, he also takes great pride in the dedicated teams of Guide Dog Instructors and Orientation and Mobility Instructors he has helped train and guide through their careers. “These people are now based all around the world in the UK, Asia, Scandinavia and USA, and also here in Australia making a difference,” John says.
“Thank you John for your invaluable contribution to the Guide Dog movement and dedication over 50 years. Your Order of Australia is so richly deserved, and your legacy truly immeasurable,” said Karen Hayes, CEO of Guide Dogs Victoria.
employees, including 25 new starters.
average staff and volunteer engagement.
volunteers, including 167 Puppy Raisers.
volunteer hours.
Lost Time Injury free.
Di Hatchley
From the 1950s to now.
In April 2021, Di Hatchley made the very sad decision to announce her retirement from Guide Dogs Victoria, after a very long history and association with Guide Dogs.
Di Hatchley
From the 1950s to now.
In April 2021, Di Hatchley made the very sad decision to announce her retirement from Guide Dogs Victoria, after a very long history and association with Guide Dogs.
Di’s connection to Guide Dogs extends back to the 1950s when she worked with the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association in Leamington Spa in England. It is here that Di met Eric Hatchley. The pair married in 1956 and migrated to Perth, Western Australia in 1957 where the very first Guide Dog program commenced in Australia.
In 1962, Di and her family moved to Melbourne where both Eric and Di had considerable involvement in the establishment and early days of Guide Dogs Victoria. Di and her family have a strong connection to our campus in Kew, having resided on-site at the cottages at Kew for many years (the location of the cottages being where our future vet clinic and café will be constructed).
Di formally started working for Guide Dogs Victoria in 1971 and has worked in a range of roles across Breeding, Training Kennels and Puppy Raising. In recent years, Di has been working in an administrative role supporting the Puppy Raising team.
On behalf of the entire Guide Dogs Victoria community, we congratulate Di for her many years of dedicated service and contribution to Guide Dogs Victoria (which is just shy of 50 years in June). Di is greatly missed on campus but will always be considered a part of the Guide Dogs Victoria family.
Our supporters.
raised from 73,897 donations.
new Otus Fellowship members.
Major Supporters donating more than $5,000.
Puppy Sponsors.
Top 10 Donation Dogs.
Woolworths Box Hill: $3,415.65
Coles Roxburgh Park: $3,250.10
Coles Dandenong (Princes Highway): $2,819.20
Bendigo Railway Station: $2,771.65
Coles Keysborough: $2,711.85
Coles Epping: $2,674.40
Coles Coburg North: $2,350.15
Coles Taylors Hill: $2,216.20
Coles Richmond (Victoria Gardens): $2,185.35
Coles Prahran: $2,178.05
Special mention – Fortunes Bistro Bendigo: $2,073.80
from the Bendigo Railway Station Donation Dog.
was when Twanny’s journey with Guide Dogs began.
Bendigo Railway Station
Keeping donations on track.
While the COVID-19 situation was a challenging time, we were so fortunate to have the support of our incredible community who were dedicated to shedding light over even the darkest of times.
This included the amazing staff at the Bendigo Railway Station who – due to hygiene reasons – were not taking cash for ticket sales. If customers didn’t have card facilities, the cash instead went into Guide Dogs Victoria Donation Dog who stands guard at Bendigo Railway Station, and the customer travelled on their donation to Guide Dogs!
Not only was this a wonderful act of kindness for rail customers, but the Bendigo Railway Station Donation Dog raised $2,771.65 in FY 2020-2021!
Twanny's story
My two wonderful Guide Dogs have gifted me with the independent life I lead now.
“I was born with myopic eyesight which resulted in a detached retina in my right eye and macular degeneration and glaucoma in my left eye. As a result I am legally blind with light sensitivity. My two wonderful Guide Dogs have gifted me with the independent life I lead now. My first beautiful companion was Val and now I have her cousin, Annabelle, who guides me in my motorised wheelchair.
But my first contact with Guide Dogs was back in 1987 when I was working for the Retinitis Pigmentosa Society. In this role, I referred many clients to Guide Dogs, and always found their staff were willing to go out of their way to assist and support my clients.
Observing this wonderful work, I promised myself that if ever I was able support Guide Dogs in any way, I would. Fortunately, I had invested well over the years and upon retiring and selling my business, I found I had a bit of extra cash and was in a position to keep my promise to assist Guide Dogs.
I discussed my wishes with my investment team and they agreed I could start by leaving some funds in my Will to train future Guide Dogs. I wanted to honour special people in my life and originally made provision in my Will to name two dogs – one after my mother, Frances and the second after my father, Vincent.
As my estate has grown over the years, I have updated my Will, including a provision to name another six dogs: Joe after my brother, Valli after my first amazing Guide Dog, Annabelle after my current Guide Dog, Jessica after my niece, Kirsten after my goddaughter and of course, Twanny! As part of my Will I have also established a perpetual trust so Guide Dogs will have ongoing funds long after I am gone.
I often try to convince people to leave a gift in their Will to a charity that is close to their heart. If everyone left a small donation, collectively they will make a big difference. As the saying goes: “From little things, big things grow.”
I know with my financial support, Guide Dogs will be training dogs to work better with those in wheelchairs like myself and the gift I am leaving in my Will, will help to breed, raise and train another eight dogs in total to support those who choose a Guide Dog as their primary mobility aid. I also know that Guide Dogs will continue to find different ways of supporting us folks who have low vision or are blind.
I consider myself fortunate to have given something back to Guide Dogs, who have given me my independence, and I am honoured that my legacy will live on once I am gone.”
Our National Corporate Partners.
We are proud to partner with the following organisations:
We would also like to acknowledge the generous workplace giving donations received from staff at the following organisations:
- AMP Foundation
- BHP
- Lion
- PETstock Assist
- The Deloitte Foundation
- Viva Energy Australia
- Westpac Group
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ADVANCE™
has provided 93 tonnes of Super Premium Dog Food in the past year to feed our national colony of dogs.
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Boehringer Ingelheim
Animal Health Australia has provided over 4,000 vaccine doses and over 54,000 doses of Parasite protection in the last year alone.
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Coles
Our network of Collection / Donation Dogs in Coles stores have raised over $11.3 million since 1982, including over $934,000 this past year alone.
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IDEXX
performed 870 complimentary pathology tests to support the health of our growing Guide Dog puppies.
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KONG
Over 6,000 toys were donated by KONG to help keep our dogs happy and stimulated over the last 12 months.
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PAW by Blackmores
More than 130 kilos of PAW DigestiCare 60™ was supplied by PAW by Blackmores in the last year to support the health of our pregnant Breeding Stock and young pups.
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PETstock
In June 2021, PETstock Assist’s ‘Guide Dogs Month’ campaign raised over $154,000 through customer and corporate donations, and the sale of participating products in-store and online.
We thank all of our partners.
We thank all of our National Corporate Partners for their ongoing commitment to our important work and their passion for supporting Australians living with low vision or blindness to reach their full potential.
Our reach.
Social media:
social media impressions across all Guide Dogs Australia social channels.
social media increase year-on-year.
Guide Dogs Victoria website:
sessions.
percent increase year-on-year.
Media reach:
Events:
virtual event.
in-person events.
Clients, staff, volunteers and supporters.
A brand new chapter for Guide Dogs
At the start of 2021, we were very excited to introduce our new Guide Dogs brand.
At the start of 2021, we were very excited to introduce our new Guide Dogs brand. Building on our beloved history, our new brand better reflects how we support people living with low vision or blindness today.
At Guide Dogs, we know the power of putting one foot in front of the other to face the world with courage. Our new brand is our way of carrying on with confidence. Our new brand builds on our beloved history, while telling a new story to better reflect how we’ll move forward together.
As one of Australia’s most trusted charities, our organisation draws on more than 60 years’ experience supporting people with low vision or blindness. A lot has changed in those 60 years. Today, we offer so many life-changing supports to all kinds of people in the community. We’ve added so many exciting chapters to our story.
To reflect these changes, we’ve created a new, more accessible Guide Dogs brand that will improve the way we sound and feel through images, colours, the way we talk, and more.
In the past, our brand has also not been as accessible as it should be for our Clients, and many of our supporters, employees and volunteers. In fact, people have told us of their challenges while reading and interacting with our brand in different situations.
Plus, our previous brand didn’t present the Guide Dogs family – which is a collection of state-based organisations – as one unified team offering the same services and supports to people no matter where our Clients live or their financial situation.
By exploring new ways for our brand to sound, look and feel, we can tell a story that better represents Guide Dogs, and ultimately provide better supports for people with low vision or blindness and their support networks.
Our brand launch gained great exposure in the press early on, including in:
- B&T – Iconic Charity Guide Dogs Australia Rebrands, Via FutureBrand
- Mumbrella – Guide Dogs Australia reveals new branding to strengthen national presence
- CMO (Chief Marketing Officer) – How a brand refresh is helping Guide Dogs Australia transform its national approach
In late 2021, the new Guide Dogs websites won gold in the annual global W3 Awards, were shortlisted in the Australian Access Awards*, and Guide Dogs – along with brand transformation partners FutureBrand – was shortlisted in three categories as part of the Transform Awards ANZ* for:
- Best Creative Strategy
- Best brand development project to reflect changed mission, values or positioning
- Best visual identity by a charity, NGO or NFP
*As at the time of publication, winners had not been announced.
Major campaigns
At Guide Dogs, trust is at the heart of everything we do.
Major campaigns
At Guide Dogs, trust is at the heart of everything we do.
There’s the unbreakable bond of trust between Handlers and their Guide Dogs. There’s trust in our services; trust that we go above and beyond to support people with low vision or blindness to live safely, independently, and to achieve their goals. We never take trust for granted and we strive for integrity in every single thing we do.
That’s why in November 2020, we launched our “With trust comes freedom” national campaign. This campaign was created to reinforce the importance of trust in the day-to-day life of a person with low vision or blindness and to celebrate their achievements.
This campaign also signalled the beginning of a three-year strategy to:
- Reposition our brand as a first choice provider for people with low vision or blindness.
- Create recall and awareness that we have a broad range of services to offer to increase referral rates and decrease the stigma associated with blindness so people seek help earlier and choose Guide Dogs.
- Signal a new look and contemporary voice for our brand.
- Reinforce the brand value of trust in our brand as a market differentiator.
- Leverage and reinforce our position as one of Australia’s Most Trusted Charity Brands.
- This campaign made a big impression on the wider Guide Dogs community, achieving 3,224,796 social media impressions and over 500,000 in media reach, being mainly key trade media.
People with low vision or blindness experience access challenges daily.
Video description: Michelle and Broden, a woman and a man, walk into an almost empty cafe but are refused a seat inside and are made to sit in the carpark by the bins. Later, Michelle and Broden are rejected a ride by a driver who refuses Broden access to his car. A new ride arrives and a Handler and her black Guide Dog enter the car. They are the real Michelle and Broden. The car drives off into the distance.
Access All Areas campaign
People with low vision or blindness experience access challenges daily.
This could include being illegally refused entry to a venue because they have a Guide Dog, or it might be because physical barriers, signage or a lack of information don’t allow for them to enter a place in an inclusive way.
It doesn’t have to be this way.
In March 2021, Guide Dogs launched a new “Access all areas” national campaign, which aimed to remove barriers for people with low vision or blindness and provoke change. Through the campaign, we shared first-hand access challenges, as experienced by people with low vision or blindness.
While the campaign focused on raising awareness of access challenges, it also aimed to support people with low vision and blindness to learn more about their access rights and how to self-advocate. We also released a range of online tools, tips and other resources for business owners to use to make their business more welcoming and inclusive.
The hero of our campaign – the video below – used humour to highlight some of the access challenges faced by people with low vision and blindness, and make them more relatable for the general public.
The video was created in collaboration with comedian and actor Michelle Brasier, who is also one of our Ambassadors and who featured in the campaign video with Ambassador Dog, Eva, and Broden Kelly from Australian comedy group Aunty Donna.
As part of this campaign, we also worked with the Melbourne International Comedy Festival to further highlight via social media, the importance of accessibility.
Media coverage.
As well as achieving outstanding results across our social media channels, the Access All Areas campaign proved to be a successful media campaign, focused on targeting quality Tier 1 media, with high syndications and high reach.
Television:
Sunrise, Channel 7 – Karen Hayes (CEO, Guide Dogs Victoria) interview: 613,500 reach, syndicated 38 times
Radio:
ABC NSW Statewide Radio – Charlie Spendlove (Head, Marketing and Communications Centre of Excellence, Guide Dogs VIC/NSW/ACT) interview: 216,100 reach, syndicated 36 times
Triple M – news bulletin: 374,400 reach, syndicated 24 times
ABC Melbourne – Michelle Brasier (GDV Ambassador and campaign talent) interview with Virginia Trioli: 61,000 reach
Social media impressions:
1,231,562
The Future is in Sight
At Guide Dogs Victoria, we are committed to creating the world’s first sensory campus that is both welcoming and inspiring for every member of the Guide Dogs Victoria community.
The Future is in Sight
Guide Dogs Victoria campus redevelopment update.
At Guide Dogs Victoria, we are committed to creating the world’s first sensory campus that is both welcoming and inspiring for every member of the Guide Dogs Victoria community.
We are creating a space where our Clients feel safe and feel a sense of belonging, where our employees and volunteers feel driven and energised, and where our supporters can truly immerse themselves in the journeys of our Clients and our dogs and see firsthand the extraordinary and life-changing difference they make every day.
Despite the challenges of COVID-19, we have still been able to make enormous progress onsite and, in fact, have been able to accelerate construction works while the majority of staff and volunteers have been working remotely, delivering Stage 1 of our project on time and on budget.
Another silver lining to come out of an otherwise stormy year has been the incredibly rare – and short – window of opportunity we were given between construction phases to reimagine our design in line with what we have learned during the COVID-19 situation and in keeping with our overall organisational vision and strategy.
It gives us great pleasure to share with you our new, even bolder and more impactful plans for the iconic Guide Dogs Victoria campus and to thank those who have chosen to be a part of our journey.
The new Guide Dogs Victoria Kew campus aims to ensure that no matter what stage a person is at on their journey with low vision or blindness, they are greeted with hope, warmth, community, and innovation. As the world’s first sensory campus, the new facility will allow us to provide higher-quality services to more people as well as providing vital income streams to sustain Guide Dogs Victoria as we enter the new era of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
The size and impact of this project has meant we have engaged a dedicated Project Manager who reports directly to our CEO. To ensure the appropriate governance surrounds this project, the Guide Dogs Victoria Board of Directors has set up a specific subcommittee to monitor the progress in line with plans and budget. In conjunction with a project control group that consists of the Guide Dogs Victoria Executive Leadership Team, the Project Manager drives all aspects of our campus redevelopment, ensuring we deliver on our milestones not only when it comes to budget and timelines, but importantly that it is delivered to the highest quality and safety standards.
Introducing the Guide Dogs Victoria Experiential Centre.
Our new Experiential Centre will consist of an Early Puppy Development Unit and an ‘impact zone’; a multi-media area that showcases what we do and the lives we change. The impact zone is designed to connect our supporters personally and emotionally with the difference Guide Dogs Victoria makes. Critically, this area will showcase our pups – which we know are a huge drawcard for supporters and visitors alike – as it will enable real-time viewing into the Early Puppy Development Unit.
Future-proofing Guide Dogs Victoria.
Increasing the Guide Dog success rate allows even more Clients to benefit from our amazing Guide Dogs. While many of these extra dogs will go to philanthropically funded Clients, some will go to NDIS Clients, providing valuable revenue to our organisation.
Further, our modelling shows that the Experiential Centre has enormous potential to increase fundraising revenue by enabling donors to see and experience the impact of their support and investment in the organisation. Together, these revenue streams are anticipated to contribute several hundred thousand dollars per year that can be used to further support Clients who need us most.
This area will be designed to be multisensory and multipurpose, optimising and future-proofing its usage. Immersive technology can be set up to create awareness with the public, families or supporters, and can also be used for experiential Client programs for both on and off-campus, ensuring the best possible outcomes for those living with low vision or blindness.
Guide Dogs Victoria campus
Our Progress
| Construction Package and Project Stage | Timeframe | Percentage of Stage Complete |
|---|---|---|
| Package 1: May ConstructionStages 1a, 1b and 1c:Sunken Carpark and Workshop |
March 2020-May 2020 (Completed January 2021) | 100% |
| Package 2: 2ConstructStage 2:Veterinary Clinic and Café |
March 2021-February 2022 | 78% |
| Demolition: 2ConstructDemolition of Arnold Cook House, rear of Administration Building and Telemarketing Building. |
October 2021-October 2021 | |
| Package 3: 2Construct Stage 3: Administration and Education Centre Stage 3a: Corporate Building Stage 4: Residential Client Services, Main Entrance, Lobby, Experiential Centre and Early Puppy Development Unit, Dog Training Plaza |
November 2021-May 2022
May 2022-September 2022 November 2021-December 2022 |
|
| Package 4: Civil contractor Stage 5: Completion and construction of all access roads and perimeter carparks |
October 2022-February 2023 | |
| Package 4:
Landscape contractor |
October 2022-February 2023 |
For more detailed information, please download the PDF file.
Together we will transform even more lives.
Thank you for your generosity. With your support, we will transform the lives of thousands of people living with low vision or blindness and their support networks for decades to come.
- Alphington Developments Pty Ltd
- Annie and John Paterson Foundation
- Aron Ping D’Souza
- Arthur Fullwood
- Barbara Bedford
- BB and A Miller Foundation
- Bell Charitable Fund
- Betty Amsden AO DSJ
- Betty Amsden Foundation
- Bowness Family Foundation
- Charles and Cornelia Goode Foundation
- Charles Thompson
- Dr John Leaper OAM and Jenny Leaper OAM
- Eleanor Baillieu
- Estate of Albert Webster
- Estate of Jean Stewart
- Estate of Jillian Broderick
- Estate of Margaret Olivia Troy
- Estate of Mavis Irene McArthur
- Estate of Yolande Elizabeth Reid
- Federal Government Community Development Grant
- Federal Government of Australia
- Gandel Philanthropy
- Geoff and Alex Kent
- Hanna and Bob Van Der Toorren
- Helen and Warwick Rule
- Iain Edwards
- Ian Potter Foundation
- Irena Cheesman
- Jean Hadges
- Jeanette Brookes
- Jennifer Gray
- John McLeod
- John T Reid Charitable Trusts
- Karen Hayes AM DSJ and Graeme Hayes
- Kel and Rosie Day Foundation
- L87 Foundation
- Lady Marigold Southey AC
- Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation
- Luca Scribani Rossi
- Margaret Ross
- Myer Foundation – Sidney Myer Fund
- Naomi Ryan
- Norm and Carol Hastings
- Pamela Ann Gange
- Patterson Cheney Group
- Paula and Joseph Pezzi
- Pierce Armstrong Foundation
- Rachel Knight
- Rose Downer AM and John Downer AM
- Rotary Club of Kew on Yarra
- Roy Edwards
- Russell and Womersley Foundation
- Russell Walker
- Sally Lindsay
- State Government of Victoria
- Susan and Graeme Houghton
- Suzanne Pyke
- Vince and Gabrielle Giuliano
- Wheelton Foundation
Creating connected communities
Guide Dogs Victoria was successful in winning a grant under the Building Better Regions Fund.
Creating connected communities
Guide Dogs Victoria was successful in winning a grant under the Building Better Regions Fund.
Building Better Regions.
Guide Dogs Victoria was successful in winning a grant under the Building Better Regions Fund to develop a regional strategic plan, build capacity and leadership in the regions and host a range of events.
In order to develop our plan, we conducted the following active community research in FY 2020-2021:
- Surveyed 187 respondents, 66 (35 percent) of whom were people living with low vision or blindness. The majority of respondents were women and four respondents identified as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander. Over half (58 percent) of the respondents were from regional or rural Victoria.
- Undertook one-on-one in-depth phone interviews with 15 regional stakeholders. Interviewees included people with low vision or blindness and their support networks, volunteers, and referrers across Ballarat, Greater Geelong, Greater Bendigo, Wangaratta and Traralgon, and Inner-Gippsland.
- Held three online group sessions with six Clients across Ballarat, Traralgon, Wangaratta and Wodonga and Shepparton.
- Ran two online co-design workshops focused on Loddon and Barwon with 25 Clients and stakeholders including people with low vision or blindness, education and health professionals and disability advocates.
Peer support.
In 2020, we spoke to many Clients in our regional communities who told us that they wanted more opportunities to connect with peers in their local area. This led to the implementation of our new monthly Zoom event for Clients in the Bendigo and Geelong region.
These sessions are a great opportunity to make new friends and have a chat with other people who live with low vision or blindness. The sessions run for one hour and may be either a general chat or focused on a particular topic that is of interest to Clients living with low vision and blindness.
Our vision for regional Clients is to make sure that regardless of their physical location, they still have the opportunity to be a part of discussions and activities with other people living with low vision or blindness.
‘Connected Together’ – Information, Linkages and Capacity Building (ILC).
In May 2021, Guide Dogs Victoria, on behalf of Guide Dogs Australia, was awarded a $324,000 grant as a result of its submission to the Social and Community Participation (SCP) Grant Opportunity 20-21, under the Information, Linkages and Capacity Building (ILC) Program.
The ILC Program provides funding to organisations to deliver projects in the community that benefit all Australians with disability, their carers and families, creating connections between people with disability and the communities they live in.
Projects aim to build the knowledge, skills and confidence of people with disability, and improve their access to community and mainstream services. Connected Together will establish new, or strengthen existing, peer networks with funding for peer leadership training and peer-led activity planning, and to enable the inclusion in activities of people who are ineligible for funded supports.
We look forward to updating our valued stakeholders as we progress with and implement our ILC Program plans over the next financial year.
Creating connected communities
Revenue.
| Income | $’000 |
|---|---|
| Fundraising and Gifts in Wills | 11,069 |
| NDIS | 2,785 |
| Other income | 2,126 |
| Merchandise sales | 62 |
| Government grants | 1,140 |
| Provision of dogs and Orientation and Mobility Services | 499 |
| Finance and investment revenue | 493 |
| Total Revenue | 18,174 |
*excluding income towards the redevelopment of our Kew Campus
Percentage of Income (excluding capital*)
- Fundraising and gifts in Wills — 61%
- NDIS — 15%
- Other Income — 12%
- Merchandise Sales — 0%
- Government Grants — 6%
- Provision of dogs and Orientation and Mobility Services — 3%
- Finance and Investment Revenue — 3%
Expenses.
| Expenditure | $’000 |
|---|---|
| Cost of provision of dogs and Orientation and Mobility Services | 11,874 |
| Fundraising and gifts in Wills | 3,036 |
| Merchandise sales | 9 |
| Community information and public education | 857 |
| Corporate services | 722 |
| Other expenses | 404 |
| Total Expenditure | 16,902 |
Percentage of Expenditure
- Cost of Provision of Dogs and Orientation and Mobility Services — 70%
- Fundraising and gifts in Wills — 18%
- Merchandise Sales — 0%
- Community Information and Public Education — 5%
- Corporate Services — 4%
- Other Expenses — 3%
Gifts in Wills and Major Supporters
Thank you for your generosity.
Gifts in Wills and Major Supporters
Thank you for your generosity.
A-L
Ada Withers
Aged Persons Welfare Foundation
Ainslie Cummins
Alan Matheson
Alex and Geoff Kent
Alfred Curphey
Allan Lorraine OAM
Andrew Swan
Ann Bury
Annie Matthews
Antoinette Alcock
Baillieu Myer
Benjeanie Healey
Beryl Dean
Betsy Taig
Betty Spinks
Betty Amsden Foundation
Birchall Family Foundation Trust
Bowness Family Foundation
Brian Entwisle
Bruce McDonald
Charles and Cornelia Goode Foundation
Cheng Lim
Christine Bridgart
City of Greater Bendigo
Clive Ashwood
Collier Charitable Fund
Danks Trust
David J. Grills
Department of Industry, Innovation and Science
Department of Social Services
Dorothy Baring
Dorothy Bodilly
Dorothy Cram
Edith Kemp
Edith Burgess
Edna Curwen-Walker
Edna Shaw
Edward Pawley
Edward Huglin
Elaine Ong
Elizabeth Anne Bishop
Elizabeth Bird
Elsie Austin
Enid Farmer
Enid Mackenzie
Florence Nash
Francis Abrahams
Gail Long
Gaudry Foundation
Geoff Wing
George Gosbell
Gladys Stephens
Gladys Wallace
Gwenneth Miller
Hilary Irwin
Ian Dodd
Ian Potter Foundation
Inez Drury
Isaacson Davis Foundation
Jack Carr
James Alford
Jean Frank
Jenny Leaper OAM and Dr John Leaper OAM
Joe White
John Simpson
John Kosch
Joseph Mason
Judith Thomas
Justin Twomey
Karen Hayes AM DSJ and Graeme Hayes
Katrina Moore
Kel and Rosie Day Foundation
L87 Foundation – SymAsia
Lady Marigold Southey AC
Laurence Hodge
Libuse Walden
Lilian Steenholdt
Lindsay Supple
Lola Poynton
Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation
Lorna Macaulay
Louise Kilpatrick
Lynx Charitable Foundation
M-Z
Mandy Deam Foundation
Margaret Reynolds
Margaret Titulaer
Margaret Ross
Margaret Carland
Margaret Fitzgibbon OAM
Margaret Gleeson
Marie Paull
Marie De Bavay
Marion Jennings
Marjorie Hayes
Mary Jones
Mary Collins
Mary Murray
Maurice Everett
Mavis McArthur
Max Foundation
Merryn Anderson
Michael Abeles
Michael Galea
Michael Teuma
Moreland City Council
Nancy Hicks
Neville Grieve
Neville and Rita Brown
Norm and Carol Hastings
Norman Morris
Olga Sameluk
Olive Woods Trust
Oswald Hearne
Oswald Huf
Pamela Clapp
Patricia Broberg
Patricia Thomas
Patricia White
Patricia McIntyre Foundation
Pauline Barritt
Peggy Luker
Perpetual – Brian J. Sutton
Perpetual – Impact Philanthropy
Peter Billing
Peter Bain
Pethard Tarax Charitable Trust
R E Ross Trust
Ralph Holdsworth
Reginald Wotherspoon
Richard and Elaine Stradwick
Rita Thompson
Rose Pratt
Roy Edwards
Russell Vontom
Ruth Taylor
Ruth and Harry Taafe
Shine On Foundation
Sonia Lee
State Trustees Australia Foundation
Sun Foundation
Susan Lissenden
Susan Troupakis
Suzanne Carr
Suzette Walker
Sylvia Dungan
Transurban
Twanny Farrugia
Una Cookson
Urquhart Charitable Fund
Victor Pittman
Viv Williams
Walter Campbell Memorial Trust
Wilfred and Ruby Bird
William Shipperlee
William and Dorothy Higgins
Wyndham City Council
Yolande Reid
Yvonne Mee
Thank you for your generosity.
Puppy Sponsors.
Australian Gas Infrastructure Group
AIS Insurance
Bowness Family Foundation
Centorrino Technologies
Debbie Swan
Gerald Pain
John Downer AM
Leneeva Homes
Lord Mayor’s Charitable Fund – Eldon and Anne Foote
Nelson Alexander Real Estate Foundation
Ritchies Supermarkets
Wendy Sammells
Our Board of Directors.
-
Iain has twenty years’ experience in the public health system, is the current Operations Director of Peninsula Health, and is a Guide Dogs Victoria Client and Guide Dog Handler.
-
David is an economist and accountant with over 35 year’s practical experience advising Government and the private sector on commercial, economic and financial policy.
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Previously the Chief Financial Officer of WMC Resources Limited, Bruce is currently a Non-executive Director of CSL Limited, Incitec Pivot Limited and Newmont Mining Corporation.
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An experienced lawyer and executive leader, Anthony has had a long association with Guide Dogs Victoria including as the father of one of our Children’s Mobility Services Clients.
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With more than 30 years of consulting experience, Nick has held executive roles in the technology and services industries, and for ASX-listed companies and multinational corporations.
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Harish has an MBA (Finance), is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, and is currently the Chair of the Australian World Orchestra.
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Executive Director of Digital Strategy and Transformation within the Victorian Department of Premier and Cabinet, Lisa leads the Victorian Government IT Strategy and associated programs.
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A graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, Charles is the head of Australia Post’s International business and a Director of its China Post JV.
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Jenna’s career started out in the Australian Army. After soldier training, Jenna specialised in logistics, and now has over ten years’ experience in commercial marketing.
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Angela WheeltonWe extend our deepest thanks and sincere gratitude to Angela Wheelton OAM DSJ, who served on the Guide Dogs Victoria Board of Directors from July 2018 until November 2020.
In memoriam
It was with great sadness that we farewelled some beloved members of the Guide Dogs Victoria family.
In memoriam
Carol Hastings.
It was with great sadness that in August 2020, we farewelled a beloved member of the Guide Dogs Victoria family, Carol Hastings.
Carol had been an amazing supporter of Guide Dogs Victoria over the last 25 years. As well as being major and capital donors, bequestors, private donors and Otus Fellowship members, Carol and her husband Norm have also been Guide Dogs Victoria volunteers, stud dog holders and temporary puppy carers.
Through Carol and Norm’s hardware business, Guide Dogs Victoria staff were encouraged to come and collect items we needed for the organisation – nothing was ever too much trouble. Carol also loved our dogs, attending and supporting many of our functions and fundraisers over the years.
Outside of her love for Guide Dogs Victoria, Carol loved art, reading, travel, sports, music, gardening, and of course her animals – her horses, ducks, rabbits, birds, kangaroos and even lizards!
Her passion, advocacy and generosity for Guide Dogs Victoria had no bounds yet Carol never sought recognition, praise or publicity. She was quick-witted, a wonderful friend to many, and is genuinely missed by all whose lives she touched.
Marten Bedford and Bruce Heider.
In March 2021 and April 2021 respectively, we also bade a sad farewell to long-time Guide Dogs Victoria volunteers Bruce Heider and Marten Bedford.
Bruce contributed an outstanding 50 years of volunteering with Guide Dogs Victoria, including being a founding member of the Bendigo Auxiliary, which has raised $84,856.26 for Guide Dogs Victoria since its inception in the 1970s.
Bruce also started helping with the Donation Dog program in Bendigo in the late 1980s and had taken it over by the 1990s. Bendigo averages 200 collections each year at around $20,000 a year which means over his 30 year involvement with our Donation Dogs, Bruce contributed approximately $600,000 to the program.
Bruce raised an amazing 24 Guide Dog pups, starting in May 1969, and in 2017 received a very well-deserved Special Commendation for his service to Guide Dogs Victoria, as part of that year’s Premier’s Volunteer Champion Awards.
After retiring from his volunteer role in 2017, we named a puppy Heider in Bruce’s honour. Even in his final moments, Bruce was committed to Guide Dogs Victoria; requesting funeral attendees donate to GDV in lieu of flowers.
Bruce’s wife Olive sadly also passed away in August 2021. Bruce’s “right-hand woman”, Olive was by his side, supporting him – and Guide Dogs Victoria – every step of the way. We thank both Bruce and Olive for their commitment to the work we do.
Marten, along with his wife Barb, had been a long-term supporter of Guide Dogs Victoria; with Barb volunteering with us for well over 35 years, and Marten by her side as a faithful and steadfast part of the Guide Dogs Victoria family throughout that time.
We are so grateful to Bruce and Marten for their long-standing support, and send our love and thoughts to all who knew and loved him.
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