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About the Betty Amsden Education Centre
Experience the grounds where we breed and train our life-changing dogs.
The Betty Amsden Education Centre is a modern, purpose-built space located at our iconic Kew Campus in Victoria. With capacity for up to 100 people, host a range of interactive events including online and in-person meetings, seminars, exhibitions and celebrations – all while providing vital support for one of Australia’s most trusted charities.
Take advantage of the dedicated reception area, servery kitchen, accessible bathrooms for all genders and outdoor BBQ and dining areas to create a unforgettable event your guests will endlessly appreciate. The space can be configured in theatre, meeting, exhibition and dining set ups with custom packages available.
From tea and coffee to full buffet-style lunches and seated dinners, the Betty Amsden Education Centre is the versatile venue you’ve been searching for.
Venue features
The versatile venue you've been searching for.
Experience our iconic Kew Campus with expansive areas and ample on-site parking to use as part of your event.
Book and enjoy:
- all-day tea, coffee and water (with or without biscuits)
- state-of-the art audiovisual digital screens and equipment with Wi-Fi and HDMI connections
- lectern with microphone, plus roving and lapel microphones
- air conditioning (heating and cooling)
- servery kitchenette with fridge, dishwasher, sink, catering oven, microwave and pie warmer
- outdoor BBQ area *please note, to use the BBQ, you must engage one of our caterers
- bathrooms for all genders (including ambulant and accessible)
- building-compliant Hearing Loop for people with hearing loss
- braille signage.
Hire options
Designed with everyone in mind.
The Betty Amsden Education Centre measures 120 square metres (10m x 12.4m).
Offering a flexible room set up (theatre, U-shape, boardroom, banquet, cabaret, classroom, cocktail or custom), explore multiple hiring options:
- half-day hire
- full-day hire
- multi-day hire.
Please enquire using the form below for pricing and availability.
Before You Hire
- Enquiries
If you are interested in hiring The Betty Amsden Education Centre, please complete our Expression of Interest form and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
- Catering
After booking The Betty Amsden Education Centre, we can provide you with the contact details of our catering partners so you can select the catering for your event or meeting.
- Alcohol
Alcohol is permitted in The Betty Amsden Education Centre. Please let us know if you intend to serve alcohol at your event as this must adhere to Guide Dogs Victorias Alcohol Policy
- Decorations and styling
Whilst we encourage you to decorate The Betty Amsden Education Centre to suit your meeting or event, we ask that you please do not attach styling items to the walls or ceiling.
- Open flames
Guide Dogs Victoria is a flame-free site This includes smoking on our premises.
- Access
To access the Betty Amsden Education Centre please enter through the main gates and follow the signs.
- Dogs
While we are all dog lovers, we kindly ask you leave your pet dogs at home.
- Parking
When enquiring, please let us know how many parking spaces you require for your meeting or event. Parking for The Betty Amsden Education Centre is a shared space with Guide Dogs Victoria staff.
- Security
Please advise us at the time of your booking if you require security at your event.
- Payments
To confirm the booking of the Betty Amsden Education Centre for your function a deposit will be required including a bond.
View our Booking Terms and Conditions here.
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About Betty Amsden OAM
Betty Amsden OAM
Betty Amsden OAM (1926-2017)
Betty Amsden OAM was a stalwart of Guide Dogs Victoria.
A philanthropist and volunteer for decades, she believed in giving freedom to people who are blind or have low vision.
A self-made woman, she built and managed aged care facilities during her working life and was passionate about helping to build strong, equitable and inclusive communities.
She was also a very keen patron of the arts, and supported The Victorian Arts Centre, the Australian Ballet School, the Victorian Opera, Melbourne Chamber Orchestra, Orchestra Victoria.
Betty was honoured with the Order of Australia Medal in 2002 and presented with the Officer of the Order of Australia in 2014.
At Guide Dogs Victoria, she established a Scholarship Fund in her name to encourage and develop leadership in the staff at Guide Dogs Victoria.
Professional development, and in particular leadership development of mid-tier managers, is something Betty wanted to support. She believed in the power of education and training, and supported the professional development of guide dog mobility instructors and young leaders across the organisation.
Betty Amsden was an inspiration, mentor and a dear friend to many at Guide Dogs Victoria. It was fitting that in 2017, The Betty Amsden Foundation provided the funding for The Betty Amsden Education Centre to continue her legacy.
In her own words, “The redevelopment of this campus is long overdue and is so much more than a series of buildings. Education and independence for people are key – both open so many opportunities”.
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