Our cover star: Lex
Meet Lex, a rare brindle puppy who has already captured the hearts of our staff and his loving Puppy Raisers. His distinctive coat features a striking mix of dark and light shapes. While Lex’s coat might catch your eye, what truly matters for our dogs is their temperament not colouring. The brindle gene is a rare and recessive trait, only showing up now and then – and although Lex may be a rare gem, that makes no difference to his upcoming training. Intelligence, patience, and a calm demeanor: these are the crucial qualities we look for in any of our pups to ensure they can effectively learn, guide, and provide unwavering support to their Handler. Lex’s unique look is a bonus, but what matters
most is his ability to become a trusted companion and exceptional Guide Dog or Therapy Dog.
Welcome
Meet the team
“My name is Gemma, and I’m excited to introduce myself as one of the Support Coordinators at Guide Dogs Victoria. In my role, I have the privilege of guiding Clients through the complexities of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and helping them navigate the array of services we provide here at Guide Dogs Victoria.
One of my primary responsibilities is to assist individuals in understanding and maximising their NDIS plans. The NDIS can often feel complex and challenging, but my role is to simplify the process and ensure that Clients receive the full benefit of their plans. I offer support in everything from explaining plan details to connecting Clients with the right services and resources to meet their needs. Guide Dogs Victoria offers a broad range of services tailored to support individuals living with vision loss and other disabilities. Our key services include training and support services. For example, Orientation and Mobility Training offers personalised programs designed to help Clients navigate their environments confidently and safely whether it be with a white cane, Guide Dog or no mobility aid at all.
From mobility aids to community programs, our support services are here to enrich the lives of our Clients and help them achieve their personal goals. For anyone interested in our services or needing assistance with their NDIS plans, I’m here to offer guidance and ensure that Clients or their networks get the most out of their experience with us. In addition to my role as a Support Coordinator, I am also the proud holder for Ambassador Dog Keith. Working with Keith is a rewarding part of my job, and together, we are dedicated to promoting the important work of Guide Dogs Victoria. Our goal is to raise awareness and inspire others through our advocacy and community involvement.
Guide Dogs Victoria believes in a collaborative approach, tailored to every individual’s unique
journey. We are dedicated to working closely with Clients to achieve their goals and improve their quality of life.”
Dogs off Duty
Tony and Solo
As we arrive home and walk in the door, Solo follows me into my office to take off his uniform. He heels, we take off his harness and then collar is removed—oh sweet bliss after a big day at work! Now, ‘dog mode’ kicks in: firstly, food. Thirty seconds later, now it’s playtime as he races around and says g’day to my wife and son with a trusty Kong stick in his mouth.
Later, it’s cuddle time. As I recline in my chair, he curls up between my legs for some good one-on-one time before bed. Solo’s favourite thing to do when I’m not working is to simply snuggle, he’s such a softy and I love that about him so much.
Weekends and daytime at home, he loves to play and follow people around—he’s such a sticky beak, always needing to know what everyone’s up to!
But he always makes sure to keep a watchful eye on me. So much more than a Guide Dog or mobility tool, Solo is a true family member.”
– Tony, Guide Dog Handler
Campus redevelopment update
Now complete, it stands as the world’s first fully accessible sensory campus. This state-of-the-art facility is designed to empower individuals with low vision or blindness, promising enhanced freedom and independence. At the heart of the new Campus is a world-class training centre with residential accommodation. Here, Clients can develop essential mobility and life skills in specially designed sensory spaces. The upgraded accommodation allows for immersive training, promoting confidence, skill-building, and offering convenient support to Clients from rural areas. A dedicated dog training precinct reflects our commitment to excellence in Guide Dog training, ensuring Clients receive top-quality Guide Dogs and Therapy Dogs. Additionally, the inclusion of a Community Hub aims to foster inclusivity and raise awareness about low vision and blindness, offering educational workshops, seminars, and outreach programs for both Clients and the broader community.
Official Flag Raising Ceremony
In celebration of our new Campus’ future, we held an official Flag Raising Ceremony in July – a milestone in our redevelopment. We were joined by special guests Dr Monique Ryan MP, Independent Member for Kooyong, and Councillor Nick Stavrou, representing Studley Ward as Councillor. Guide Dogs Victoria CEO Nicky Long, expertly guided the event, sharing her insights on our Campus’ future. Guide Dogs Victoria Chair Dr David Cochrane also shared some proud words, as did Campus Redevelopment Project Manager Catherine Curry-Hyde, and Dog Breeding Manager David Markham, who gave a heartfelt recap of our 66 year history.
In unity and celebration of this significant event in our history, we invited Guide Dogs Clients Zoe,
Zander and Kelly (pictured) to raise the Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, and Australian flags. With its innovative facilities and comprehensive support services, our Campus is set to be a hub of empowerment and community integration for years to come. Stay tuned for programs and opportunities that will benefit both you, our community, and our Clients!
Explore our campus
Campus experiences
Discover the heart and soul of Guide Dogs Victoria by booking an unforgettable experience at our Kew Campus. Now officially open, our transformed historic site is a world-class sensory haven, perfect for corporate retreats, educational workshops, community gatherings and more. Located only 30 minutes from Melbourne’s CBD, our inclusive spaces blend comfort with accessibility, ensuring every guest feels at home, regardless of vision level. Choose from venue hire options to two-day, one-night stays, or completely customise your package to suit your needs. Whatever your requirements, get immersed in our mission while connecting with a vibrant community dedicated to enhancing the lives of those with vision loss.
Ready to get booking? Enquire now about our experience packages by emailing us at bookings@guidedogsvictoria.com.au.
Vet care at Guide Dogs Victoria
“I’ve been a chicken vet, a cattle vet, and now I’m a Guide Dog vet!” Dr Ann Hansen states. “I’ve always loved Labradors, so when the opportunity came up to work with Guide Dogs Victoria, I jumped at it.” That was 12 years ago.
Melaine Robinson from our Fundraising Team sat down with Ann, long-term Guide Dogs Victoria veterinarian with a rich background in animal care, to discuss her career. Since our establishment in 1957, Guide Dogs Victoria has partnered with dedicated veterinarians like Ann to prioritise the health and welfare of our dogs. Ann’s veterinary journey began in Africa caring for cattle and chickens before joining Guide Dogs Victoria. She generally starts her day by attending to our most vulnerable puppies, monitoring the health of newborn puppies and their mothers, ensuring they are feeding well, and checking for any health issues. Her responsibilities also include microchipping and vaccinating puppies when they reach the right age, caring for stud dogs and dogs in training, and performing routine health checks and surgeries.
The recent arrival of Advanced Vet Care during our Campus redevelopment transformed Ann’s
work. “We have this magnificent, big, new, modern clinic. It’s exciting because now we can do surgeries here, which we couldn’t before,” Ann explains.
These new on-site facilities have improved efficiency and care quality, removing the need to outsource surgeries and providing comprehensive medical services. The partnership enhances collaboration, meaning Ann can consult with specialist vets formally and informally. “The Advanced Vet Care Team also loves seeing our dogs sitting politely in the waiting room. It brightens their day, especially seeing the puppies and Handlers with their Guide Dogs,” Ann shares.
Looking ahead, Ann envisions expanding services to include care for career-changed dogs and eventually a greater number of working Guide Dogs to ensure the best care throughout a dog’s life, while gaining valuable insights for future training and care programs.
Support Guide Dogs with the Entertainment app!
A 12-month membership is just $70, and gives you access to incredible savings, discounts and bonus offers. Save on takeaway, dining, shopping, groceries, gift cards, activities and so much more. Plus, 20% of the proceeds of every membership purchased goes directly to Guide Dogs Victoria so we can continue our life-changing work. Who can say no to that? Click below to subscribe and make a difference while you save.
Quilting for a cause
The Gully Patches and Stiches is a community group formed from the love of patchwork. Regularly coming together to share the art of quilting, having a laugh, and to feel connected, they are uniquely bonded through patches and thread.
Judy was a member of the Gully Patches and Stitches for 24 years, was friends with many of the group members for much longer, and a dedicated Guide Dogs Victoria supporter. In August 2023, Judy sadly lost her life to breast cancer, and without hesitation, the Gully Patches and Stiches knew exactly how to honour her. In general, most patchworkers have a large variety of ‘extra fabrics’ in their stash, and Judy was no exception. Lovingly crafting a range of quilts using the fabrics from Judy’s stash, the group raffled them in a bid to raise money for one of the charities closest to her heart – Guide Dogs Victoria.
We can’t thank the Gully Patches and Stiches enough for their generous donation and beautiful work honouring Judy.
Container Deposit Scheme
Thanks to the generous support of the Guide Dogs Victoria community helping us recycle eligible containers using Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme, we have raised over $5,000! That’s over 50,000 cans or other eligible containers. If you are ready to recycle your cans using the Victoria Container Deposit Scheme, click below to find your nearest location and use our partner ID at an eligible collection point. Partner ID: C2000009593
Eye Health
Spotlight on inherited retinal diseases
“You can choose your friends, but you can’t choose your family.” A famous quote from the novel To Kill a Mockingbird. This saying also holds true when it comes to eye disease. Inherited retinal diseases (IRDs) are also often called inherited retinal dystrophies or degenerations. They are caused by a variation in genetic coding which results in proteins in the eye not functioning as they are intended. They are currently the most common cause of blindness in the working-age population of Australia. In the past, there was little that could be done to treat IRDs. Now, genetic testing can identify the gene mutation responsible, and scientists are making significant strides towards developing treatments for a wide range of IRDs using gene therapy. Australian researchers are some of the world leaders in this technology and more information can be found in this video: https://www.cera.org.au/gene-therapy-video/.
Gene therapies are designed to target a particular section of the genetic code and are highly specific. As a result, there currently is only one commercially available gene therapy in Australia – Luxturna has been approved for treatment of the RPE65 gene which is associated mainly with Leber’s Congenital Amaurosis. It is more important now than ever for people that have an inherited retinal dystrophy to undergo genetic testing. This testing helps researchers to continue to refine their work towards finding suitable treatments.
For more information, see your local eyecare professional who can discuss this with you or refer you to an appropriate specialist.
Client Spotlight
At every age and every stage, Guide Dogs Victoria is there. Meet Louie, a spirited three-year-old with a world full of possibilities ahead. Like his fellow kinder friends, Louie loves to explore, play,
learn and talk! If you visit him at his pre-school, he will show you some of his favourite things, like the sand pit, cubby house and climbing frame.
He’s a regular three-year-old full of cheeky charisma and a joy for learning new things. But Louie’s world is unique; he was born blind due to a condition called Norrie’s disease. From an early age, Louie has been supported by the dedicated team at Guide Dogs Victoria. Our Early Childhood Program has been instrumental in helping Louie, his family, and his pre-school adapt to his needs.
Alicia is a Guide Dogs Victoria Orientation and Mobility specialist. Her job is to help Louie understand and navigate his world. On any given day, you will find Alicia teaching Louie how to find his way around the playground using his cane, affectionately named, ‘Sneezy’.
The pair continually practise new independence skills as Louis grows in confidence and curiosity. Each day brings new chances for Louie to build his independence and confidence.
Recently, Alicia took Guide Dogs Victoria Client and staff member, Erin, to visit Louie and his
classmates at his pre-school with her trusty Guide Dog, Jet. This was the first time that Louie had met another blind person. Erin’s visit included an engaging lesson on blindness, canes, and Guide Dogs, along with a reminder of the importance of respecting working Guide Dogs.
At the end of the lesson, Erin took Jet’s harness off to signify that he was no longer working, so
that the children could have a pat and say hello. With Jet momentarily off-duty and enjoying
cuddles with Louie’s friends, Louie proudly showed Erin around his pre-school, both navigating with their canes. Louie’s journey is just beginning and there will be many adventures ahead. Guide Dogs
Victoria will continue to be there to give him the skills he needs to live the most amazing life. We are behind you all the way, Louie!
Looking for Christmas presents that make a difference?
Introducing the Christmas Dogalogue.
Can you believe it’s almost that time of the year again? We’ve got this year’s PAWfect gifts lined up to help you get ahead on your Christmas shopping.
Your favourite items are back, so you can spread some puppy love to your loved ones or you can also treat yourself! Every purchase helps support our Guide Dog pups in training.
You can place an order online at vic.pawfectpresents.com.au.
Guide My Way 2025
Join Guide Dogs Victoria’s CEO Nicky Long on The Great Otway National Park Trek
Guide Dogs Victoria has partnered with Park Trek to create a spectacular fully guided walk that brings together the highlights of the Great Ocean Walk over four spectacular days.
Join Guide Dogs Victoria’s CEO Nicky Long on The Great Otway National Park Trek, walking some of the highlights of the iconic Great Ocean Walk from Apollo Bay to Port Campbell from March 14 – March 17 2025.
Every step you take across this breathtaking landscape will help support Victorians who are blind or have low vision.
Changing your precious pup's food.
We are committed to providing our dogs with the highest standard of care, and their nutrition is a key part of this commitment.
Recently, Guide Dogs partnered with Black Hawk to transition our dogs in training to their all-natural dog food. Transitioning a dog’s diet must be done gradually. Veterinarians recommend a transition period of at least one week, as the good bacteria in the gut needs time to adapt to digesting the new food. Our dogs successfully switched to Black Hawk over a seven-day period by gradually increasing the new food’s portion in their meals.
Dr Russell Harrison, General Manager of Dogs and Vision Services at Guide Dogs Victoria, expressed his excitement about the change, “We are thrilled to have switched our dogs to Black Hawk’s all-natural dog food. The food’s exceptional quality and rich nutrition support us in offering our dogs the best care possible so they can thrive. Thank you, Black Hawk.”
Our partners
Thank you to our partners:
Support Guide Dogs today
Your donations to Guide Dogs Victoria help us to continue our important work, including matching Guide Dogs and Therapy Dogs, Orientation and Mobility services and Occupational Therapy through almost 3,000 Client programs.
Ready to continue?
Seems like you have filled this form earlier. Let’s pick up where you left off.
