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Australian Government Delivers $2.5m to Support Guide Dogs
The Federal Liberal and Nationals Government has today announced $2.5 million in funding for Guide Dogs Victoria which will see the current facilities upgraded to become the world’s first state-of-the-art sensory campus.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the Government’s investment will not only help modernise the Guide Dogs facilities, it will provide job opportunities.
“I am pleased the Federal Government can build on the existing $2 million in funding provided in 2016,” Mr McCormack said.
“The new commercial hub and state-of-the-art sensory campus will help Guide Dogs Victoria become financially self-sustaining into the future. This is critical to boosting economic growth and providing a connection to the community through local amenities and facilities.”
Federal Treasurer and Local Member for Kooyong Josh Frydenberg welcomed today’s announcement of additional funding for Guide Dogs Victoria.
“I am thrilled the Federal Government is able to invest $2.5 million in this project which will benefit the many Victorians who require a Guide Dog or other services due to blindness or low vision. The need for the services of Guide Dogs Victoria is greater than ever before, with approximately 15,000 Victorians diagnosed with some form of irreversible vision loss every year.
“Guide Dogs Victoria has been providing vital services for people with low vision or blindness for 60 years and it is critical that we continue to support the important work that they do, especially in these challenging times.”
The redevelopment will include a world-class training centre, a new building for client services, refurbished onsite accommodation for clients and a commercial hub with a veterinary hospital, dog day-care centre and on-site café.
It will also include a new world-first sensory hub which utilises sounds, textures and scent together with human-enabled technology and braille to provide an engaging space for people with low vision or blindness.
“This is an amazing contribution from the Federal Government which provides an important piece of the funding puzzle towards our world first sensory campus – thank you” said Guide Dogs Victoria CEO Karen Hayes.
“Guide Dogs Victoria has been overwhelmed by the support and generosity from the community for this project and for the ongoing support for our organisation in general, at this moment.
“We recognise it’s a tough time for everyone, but we’re still here, committed as ever, providing vital services for people with low vision or blindness and training our special dogs through these challenging and changing times.”
The project is expected to be completed by mid-2022
