Pup Star: Nadia
Meet Nadia, one of our very first Post Traumatic Stress Injury (PTSI) Assistance Dogs, and an absolute heart-stealer. Sweet, affectionate and happiest when she is close to her person, Nadia has a special way of making every training session feel full of joy.
Nadia has learned important tasks that will help her handler feel more supported, confident and connected. Her favourite job? Proudly picking up her lead and bringing it over, usually with a little cheeky sparkle that makes everyone smile.
When she is off duty, Nadia is rarely without a toy or bone in her mouth, a playful reminder that behind every highly trained Assistance Dog is a pup with plenty of personality. She has been a joy to work with, and her graduation is a beautiful example of what your support can make possible.
Welcome
Meet the team
As Guide Dogs Victoria’s Internal Communications Coordinator, Lucy plays an important role in helping people across the organisation feel informed, connected and united by a shared purpose.
Working within the People & Culture team, she brings warmth, clarity and care to the way staff communicate and collaborate, supporting a strong sense of community behind the scenes.
For Lucy, the mission is deeply personal. Long before she joined the team as an employee, she was part of the Guide Dogs community as a client.
Born with albinism and legally blind, Lucy has accessed Guide Dogs services since early childhood, receiving support that helped her learn, grow and navigate the world with increasing independence.
“Guide Dogs has been there for me and my family every step of the way,” Lucy shares.
Through every major milestone, starting school, transitioning to university, moving out of home and beginning her career, that support has been there. What might feel overwhelming became achievable with the right guidance and encouragement at the right time.
A defining part of Lucy’s journey has been her Guide Dog, Dottie. From the moment they met, Lucy felt a profound shift. With Dottie by her side, she has achieved milestones that once felt daunting, like completing her university degree, moving away from her family, and confidently stepping into her first professional role.
“Dottie gives me the confidence to do things that once felt out of reach,” Lucy says.
Today, Lucy’s story brings both sides of Guide Dogs Victoria together: the dedicated employee helping strengthen connection across the organisation, and the client whose life has been shaped by the generosity of supporters. Lucy’s journey is a powerful reminder that your support creates confidence, freedom and the chance for more people to live life on their own terms.
"Guide Dogs has been there for me and my family every step of the way. Your support creates confidence, freedom and the chance to live life on your own terms."
Tuscany's journey continues
Thanks to all who gave to our tax appeal this year! We had a wonderful result with more than 3,000 generous and kind donors giving over $480,000.
Together, we’re continuing to provide life-changing vision services to Victorians. Lovable dogs in training, like Tuscany, whose journey you may remember from our recent appeal, are receiving the expert care and training they need to become trusted Guide Dogs.
We’re so proud to update you that Tuscany has now graduated as a Guide Dog and has been matched with her new handler. With your support, Tuscany completed her final milestones, confidently navigating busy streets, shopping centres, and public spaces during her qualification assessments. Within days after, she began the matching process and was paired with a handler whose lifestyle and calm confidence perfectly complement Tuscany’s energetic and sensitive nature.
This partnership is already off to a strong start, giving her handler greater independence and ensuring Tuscany can thrive in her important new role.
“Tuscany had two or three walks with different people. And one was a really good match. Halfway through the walk my colleague and I turned to each other and we knew it! Their personalities matched perfectly.” Alana – Guide Dog Mobility Instructor
Fun at the Fair, Impact Everywhere
What a day! Our Community Fair was bursting with energy, connection and plenty of wagging tails.
We were blown away by the incredible support from our community. More than 3,000 people joined us, from the moment gates opened, the campus came alive with families, friends, supporters and dog lovers coming together for one shared purpose: to help change lives.
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Guests met our remarkable dogs, explored experiences across campus, watched live performances and dog demonstrations and enjoyed a fun-filled Kids Zone. Everywhere you looked there were wagging tails, smiling faces and reminders of the extraordinary community that makes this work possible.
Most importantly, every ticket sold helped fund life-changing services for people who are blind or have low vision, supporting greater independence, confidence and connection.
A warm and special thank you to the many volunteers that went above and beyond to make the day a success. If you joined us, thank you. Your support turned a wonderful day out into something truly meaningful. And if you missed it, we hope to see you next year for more fun, more connection and even more impact.
CLIENT SPOTLIGHT
Dreaming Big with Gino by Her Side
“Without your support, I would not be anywhere near where I am now… because of donor support, I have so many dreams that I can actually achieve.”
Meet May, an inspiring young woman who was born with a degenerative eye condition that has progressively reduced her vision to a small “pinhole” directly in front of her. Growing up, she often felt different and relied heavily on family and friends as everyday activities became more challenging.
With support from Guide Dogs from around age eight, May began building the skills and confidence to navigate life more independently. Orientation and mobility training, cane skills, occupational therapy, camps and youth programs helped her learn to advocate for herself, try new things and connect with others who understood her experience.
That support helped May rediscover what made her feel free: ice skating. Once something she was afraid to attempt, skating became a passion and a place where she could focus on her strengths.
Today, May and her Guide Dog, Gino, are an inseparable team. At university, Gino helps her navigate a busy campus, find classrooms and move between locations with greater confidence and independence.
Recently, May broke her ankle while ice skating and spent weeks recovering in a boot and wheelchair. During that difficult time, Gino became much more than a Guide Dog. He was a calm and comforting presence when she needed reassurance most. May continued to be supported, our trainers quickly stepping in to help adjust Gino’s pace so he will be ready to safely guide May again as she returns to walking.
Despite the setback, May remains determined. “Nothing will ever deter me from skating,” she says.
May’s story is a powerful reminder that support continues long after a single milestone. Thanks to donor generosity, she has the tools, training and support to keep pursuing the life she wants, with Gino by her side.
PTSI Assistance Dogs
Expanding What’s Possible
Dogs have always been at the heart of Guide Dogs Victoria, and that will never change.
At the same time, it’s your long-term support that allows us to think boldly about how our dogs can help people in new and emerging ways. Our growing diversification reflects a simple truth: the extraordinary abilities of our dogs can transform lives in many different contexts.
Across our community, this impact is already being felt. Therapy Dogs bring comfort to people experiencing loneliness, anxiety or trauma. Court Facility Dogs support individuals navigating the justice system. Wellbeing Dogs build connection in workplaces, aged care settings and public spaces.
And now, thanks to you, we are expanding even further.
Post-traumatic stress injury (PTSI) can affect veterans and first responders long after their service ends, impacting their sense of safety, independence and connection to others. But with the right support, recovery is possible.
As part of our initial pilot, we are supporting veterans and first responders, those who have given so much in service to our community before expanding to reach more people living with PTSI in the future.
To help establish our PTSI Assistance Dog program, Instructor Laura Davidson travelled to Canada earlier this year for specialised training. There, she supported clients through a five-week program, gaining hands-on experience in trauma-informed, person-centred care.
Laura has already brought these insights home, introducing initiatives like “dog experience days”, helping future clients feel safe, confident and ready to begin their journey.
Her experience reinforced the unique ways in which dogs can change lives.
In June, we celebrated a remarkable milestone with the graduation of our very first three PTSI Assistance Dogs. Larrie, Nadia and Nigel.
Because of you, we can continue to grow, innovate, and create new pathways to independence for those who need it most.
Dog Graduation
Meet Our New Graduates
We recently celebrated our latest dog graduates, each one about to change lives in their own meaningful way. These dogs will become Guide Dogs, PTSI Assistance Dogs and Therapy Dogs, supporting people through trauma and with emotional regulation, and Facility Dogs in schools, workplaces and courts. Others will join our breeding program to help raise the next generation of world‑class assistance dogs or bring joy and companionship to loving homes as cherished companions. Every graduate reflects the life‑changing impact you make possible.
Guide Dogs
Nettie
Ravi
Remy
Solo
Tuscany
PTSI Assistance Dogs
Larrie
Nadia
Nigel
Facility Dog
Merl
Wellbeing Dog
Osaka
Therapy Dogs
Lozzie
Pickles
Yanzee
Yari
Breeding Dogs
Brenda
Brooke
Egbert
Ete
Eva
Frankie
Morgan
Peaches
Loved as Pets (LAP) Dogs
AJ
Asher
Autumn
Bondi
Cookie
Dawn
Geoff
Louie
Miguel
Percy
Shadow
Tomi
Twix
GDV Achievements
Sharing Our Expertise with the World
Guide Dogs Victoria continues to shape the future of guide dog services, not just locally, but around the world.
At the recent International Guide Dog Federation (IGDF) Conference in Tokyo, we celebrated a remarkable milestone. Our Dog Training & Client Services Manager, Aaron Horsington, was recognised for 30 years of service with the John Groom Long Service Award, an incredible achievement and a testament to his dedication.
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We’re also proud to share that our CEO, Nicky Long, has been appointed as a Director to the IGDF Board. This appointment recognises the strength of our work and ensures our expertise will help guide international best practice.
Together, you are helping extend impact far beyond Victoria.
Houndztooth & Guide Dogs Victoria
Guide Dogs Victoria welcomes a new partnership with Houndztooth
Guide Dogs Victoria is delighted to welcome Houndztooth as a new strategic partner, supporting the care and wellbeing of the remarkable dogs that help change lives.
Houndztooth is an Australian owned brand specialising in canine health supplements and grooming products, with a shared commitment to animal wellbeing and positive community impact. Founded in 2018 by natural animal nutritionist Rachael Tricarico, the company focuses on natural products designed to support dogs through every stage of life.
Built on a shared belief in proactive care, enrichment and long-term wellbeing, the partnership will help raise awareness of Guide Dogs Victoria’s work and create new opportunities for community engagement and fundraising.
Over the coming year, supporters can look forward to a range of initiatives, including special campaigns and opportunities to support the wellbeing of the dogs that make independence and connection possible for people living with blindness or low vision.
Together, we’re helping ensure the dogs that change lives receive the care and support they deserve, while strengthening Guide Dogs Victoria’s ability to continue delivering life-changing services across Victoria.
We are grateful to Houndztooth for its support and look forward to working together over the next 12 months. To learn more about Houndztooth and its commitment to canine wellbeing, visit www.houndztooth.com.au
Labradoodle
How Your Support Sparked a World First
One of those questions in 1989 came from Pat Blum, a prospective guide dog handler whose husband, Rich, was allergic to dogs. Determined to find a solution, our team explored new possibilities.
At our Kew centre, we trialled an innovative idea: breeding a Standard Poodle, Harley, with one of our proven guide dog mothers, Daisy. The hope was to combine a low-shedding coat with the calm, reliable temperament needed for guide work.
Daisy’s litter produced three puppies. Not all were suitable, but one stood out. Sultan had both the temperament and the allergy-friendly coat needed to succeed. Testing confirmed he was compatible for Rich, and after training, Sultan became Pat’s guide dog in Hawaii.
This remarkable partnership changed lives and sparked global curiosity. A feature on Talk to the Animals with Dr Harry Cooper brought national attention, and the Labradoodle soon became known around the world.
While the program didn’t continue long-term due to grooming costs for clients, its impact was profound.
Sultan’s story is a powerful reminder: it’s thanks to you that we can take chances, innovate, and create life-changing firsts.
Join Us for the Final PAWGUST
Thank you to all our past PAWGUST participants. Eight unforgettable years of walkies, wagging tails and life-changing fundraising has resulted in an incredible $7.8 million raised for Guide Dogs across Australia.
Are you registered yet?
It’s not too late. Register by Friday the 7th of August to take part in the last ever PAWGUST. Every step you take this August can help raise vital funds to support future Guide Dogs and the people who rely on them every day.
Audiology
Evolving to Meet Changing Needs
At Guide Dogs Victoria, everything we do starts with listening, understanding how our clients experience the world, and how their needs continue to evolve.
We know that for people living with low vision or blindness, hearing is not just helpful, it’s essential. Whether it’s identifying traffic, navigating busy environments, or staying connected with others, sound plays a critical role in safe and independent travel.
That’s why we’re expanding our services.
We’re proud to introduce Audiology services on our Kew campus, delivered in partnership with Expression Australia through Expression Audiology. This new service reflects our ongoing commitment to provide holistic, coordinated support that responds to the real-world needs of our clients.
Why this matters for clients
By integrating audiology into our existing services, we’re making it easier for clients to access the support they need – all in one familiar place.
This new service offers:
- Convenience and accessibility
Access hearing assessments and support in the same trusted environment as Orientation and Mobility training and Guide Dog services - Coordinated, holistic care
Better alignment between hearing support and other services, leading to more tailored outcomes - Enhanced safety and confidence
Improved ability to detect and respond to important environmental sounds such as traffic and hazards - Stronger communication and connection
Greater ease in conversations and social interactions, reducing isolation - Greater independence in daily life
Increased confidence when travelling, navigating public spaces, and engaging in the community
Even small changes in hearing can have a significant impact – helping someone move through the world with more confidence, clarity and control.
As needs evolve, we’re committed to ensuring our services evolve too.
Ask Alex
Building Confidence One Experience at a Time
What do a bustling shopping centre, a noisy tram, a friendly café and a vacuum cleaner have in common?
For a future Guide Dog pup, they’re all part of an important learning adventure.
From the moment they arrive with their Puppy Raiser, future Guide Dogs begin learning about the world around them. Every new experience helps them develop the confidence, resilience and adaptability they will need in their future role.
One day, these puppies could help someone who is blind or has low vision navigate busy streets, public transport, workplaces and countless everyday situations. To prepare for that responsibility, they need to become comfortable in a wide variety of environments and situations.
This is where our incredible Puppy Raisers play such an important role.
From riding in cars and visiting local shops to meeting people of all ages, to hearing unexpected noises and exploring new environments, Puppy Raisers help create positive experiences that build confidence. Every outing becomes a learning opportunity – even something as simple as sitting quietly outside a café can teach valuable lessons about remaining calm and focused amid distractions.
The skills developed during these early months become the foundation for future training and, ultimately, a successful Guide Dog partnership – every new sight, sound and experience is helping them take another step towards changing someone’s life.
Guide Dogs Partnerships
Every Toy Helps Shape a Future Guide Dog
The sound of wheels gliding over the floor is enough to make our puppies turn their heads. Before the boxes have fully opened, there’s already movement – ears lifting, tails wagging, a few puppies edging closer as cardboard is set down and lids begin to lift. It’s another delivery from KONG Company, with classic red KONGs, plush toys, ropes, bouncing balls, and enrichment favourites spilling over the sides.
Some puppies settle immediately with a toy, while others playfully tug, roll, or proudly carry something twice their size around the room.
Each toy is part of a carefully designed program that helps our puppies stay curious, confident, and mentally engaged as they move into Guide Dog training, preparing them to support people who are blind or have low vision to live life on their own terms.
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Enrichment plays a vital role in puppy development. It builds problem-solving skills, strengthens confidence, and helps them learn to settle and refocus in busy or unfamiliar environments.
“Enrichment is a key part of raising well-rounded Guide Dogs,” said Aaron Horsington from Guide Dogs Victoria. “The range of toys we receive from KONG helps us support their learning, confidence, and wellbeing in everyday training.”
Since 2018, KONG has supported our national dog colony through enrichment toys and expert guidance in play and development. As they celebrate 50 years of enriching pets’ lives, we’re proud to recognise the difference this long-standing partnership continues to make.
Our partners
Thank you to our partners:
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.
For more information, call 1800 804 805
