Ambassadors - Guide Dogs Victoria

Anthony 'Lehmo' Lehmann

Anthony Lehmann, widely known as Lehmo, is a distinguished and well-travelled Australian comedian with over fifteen years of experience on the global stage. As a dedicated Ambassador for Guide Dogs Victoria, Lehmo passionately champions the life-changing impact of Guide Dogs, “These talented sweethearts do more than guide – they empower, provide independence and companionship.”

When he’s not making audiences laugh on shows like Utopia, Have You Been Paying Attention?, The Cheap Seats, and The Front Bar, Lehmo is a loving dad to two rescue dogs and a strong advocate for animal welfare. His passionate love of animals is perfect for highlighting the role of Guide Dogs in empowering and providing independence to those with low vision or blindness.

Lehmo laughing while a yellow Labrador puppy licks his ear.

Dilruk Jayasinha

Dilruk Jayasinha is a Melbourne-based comedian, Logie award-winner, and TV personality originally from Sri Lanka. Known for his roles on Utopia, Have You Been Paying Attention? and I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here, Dilruk brings significant visibility to our cause, aiming to deepen public understanding of our essential services while inspiring greater community engagement.

By promoting our mission, Dilruk’s goal is to increase awareness and encourage more people to contribute to the important work of Guide Dogs Victoria whether through fundraising or volunteering. As a mental health and wellbeing advocate, Dilruk brings much compassion and empathy to his Ambassador role, and looks forward to sharing more with his audience about the transformative power of Guide Dogs and their impact on the lives of people with low vision or blindness.

Dilruk is standing, holding a yellow Labrador puppy in his arms. He is looking at the camera with a big smile on his face.

Dolly Diamond

Dolly Diamond is a much-loved comedy cabaret talent and personality who is originally from the UK and has proudly called Australia home since 2009. She uses her platform to raise awareness about LGBTIQ+ individuals with low vision or blindness, supporting Guide Dogs in both Victoria and the UK. Dolly emphasises the importance of recognising and supporting diverse lived experiences, “Hearing the stories of people with low vision and blindness makes you more aware of the vital work that needs to be done.”

Her passion for uplifting shines through in her advocacy efforts, helping to raise crucial awareness about the needs of the blind and low vision community. She has supported Guide Dogs Victoria over the last decade at major events like Mardi Gras and Midsumma festivals, using her platform to champion the importance of our work and to inspire greater public involvement in helping those that need it.

Dolly in a bright green dress and silver headpiece, holding a yellow Labrador puppy with a big smile on her face.

Elle Baillieu

Eleanor Baillieu, also known as Elle, is a prominent model, photographer, and philanthropic entrepreneur. Since 2018, Elle has been a dedicated Ambassador for Guide Dogs Victoria, as well as playing a vital role as a full-time Puppy Raiser, nurturing two of our beautiful dogs, Merlyn and Saige. Her commitment advances our mission twofold, by enhancing the independence and quality of life for the blind and low vision community through the raising of future Guide Dogs, and by sharing our mission with the public.

Elle’s advocacy extends beyond her work with Guide Dogs Victoria, also supporting institutions within Victoria, focusing on improving education, cultural development, and community welfare throughout Australia. In 2019, her significant impact in philanthropy saw her recognised as a national finalist for Miss Universe Australia.

Elle kneeling on the ground of the Guide Dogs nursery, with a black Labrador between her and a member of Guide Dogs staff, who is holding a tiny black Labrador puppy.

Jack Silvagni

Jack Silvagni, a versatile player for the Carlton Football Club since 2015, was celebrated with the Spirit of Carlton award in 2021 for embodying the club’s values both on and off the field. A long-time supporter and Ambassador for Guide Dogs Victoria, Jack’s passion is deeply rooted in his grandmother’s longstanding support of our work and his own love of dogs.

With two Labradors of his own, Jack is known as something of a dog whisperer. He truly values how Guide Dogs Victoria goes far beyond providing Guide Dogs, offering a range of programs, training, and innovative technology to empower individuals with low vision or blindness to reach their full potential and achieve their goals and dreams.

Jack Silvagni holding a black Labrador puppy, standing next to Guide Dogs Victoria CEO Nicky Long who is holding a yellow Labrador puppy.

Jimi the Kween

Jimi the Kween is a vibrant performer known for their dynamic presence in the Australian entertainment and music industry and being a finalist on television show, The Voice. As a passionate advocate for inclusivity and diversity, Jimi brings a unique flair to Guide Dogs Victoria. Jimi’s commitment to celebrating diversity aligns seamlessly with our mission, as we both strive to create an inclusive world where everyone, including those who are blind or have low vision, can live an independent life of their choosing. Jimi’s advocacy helps raise awareness, break down barriers, and promote equal access to independence and mobility. Through their vibrant spirit and community engagement, Jimi the Kween plays a key role in advancing our important work.

Joost Bakker

Joost Bakker is an eco-warrior and visionary dedicated to zero-waste living, with a remarkable journey from the Netherlands to Australia. His Monbulk home in Melbourne’s Yarra Ranges exemplifies his commitment to sustainability, featuring a thriving six-acre estate with a diverse range of life from chickens to vegetables.

Joost’s involvement with Guide Dogs Victoria is a perfect match for his values. As part of Stage 5 of our Kew Campus’ transformational redevelopment, Joost guided us towards a greener future by collaborating closely with us to integrate cutting-edge sustainable practices, from waste reduction to mindful resource use. His commitment also honours the land’s traditional owners, the Wurundjeri people, reflecting Joost’s holistic approach to environmental stewardship. This approach ensures that our new Campus will be both environmentally friendly and supportive of Guide Dogs Victoria’s vital work.

Joost and his daughter kneeling next to a bed where a black Labrador puppy is sleeping.

Lauren Phillips

Lauren Phillips, the vibrant voice of Melbourne mornings on Nova 100’s Jase and Lauren Show and a familiar face on Nine’s Postcards, is a dedicated advocate for Guide Dogs Victoria. Her personal connection to the cause runs deep as her grandfather was blind, giving her firsthand insight into the significance of independence and mobility services for those with low vision. Lauren’s passion for inclusivity and her love for dogs drive her commitment to raising awareness and supporting Guide Dogs Victoria. Despite her busy media career, her energy and positive spirit shine through in her tireless efforts to make a meaningful impact for the community.

Maddie Spark

Maddie Spark is a prominent Australian journalist and television presenter, celebrated for her dynamic reporting and engaging on-screen presence. As a seasoned reporter for Channel Nine, she delivers compelling news stories with clarity and professionalism. Maddie is also widely recognised for her role as the host of Postcards, a popular travel and lifestyle show where she explores diverse destinations and shares unique travel experiences.

Beyond her media career, Maddie is a dedicated volunteer ambassador for Guide Dogs Victoria, where her exceptional ability to connect with people enhances her effectiveness in advocating for individuals with vision impairments. Her blend of media expertise and genuine commitment to meaningful causes makes her an ideal representative for our organisation.

Maddie Spark standing in the Guide Dogs nursery, holding a yellow Labrador puppy.

Mason Cox

Mason Cox, the towering and instantly recognisable premiership player for Collingwood Football Club, is a passionate advocate for Guide Dogs Victoria. With a heart of gold and a unique personal connection to the challenges faced by those with vision loss, his own experiences with eye injuries as a high-performance athlete in both America and Australia brings profound empathy to his role. His commitment to supporting those with vision loss is driven by his understanding of the critical importance of independence, mobility, and companionship. Mason’s enthusiasm and dedication greatly enhance Guide Dogs Victoria’s mission, making a meaningful impact through his involvement and platform.

Ambassadors.

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