Welcome to Guide Dogs.
Today and every day since 1957, we’ve been helping people with low vision or blindness live more independent lives and achieve their goals. Simply by visiting our office, you are now part of our story. Thank you.
Our heritage shows us anything is possible.
The history of Guide Dogs is one of contrasts. It’s about courage, hard work and tenacity. It’s also about care, attention and support. We’re proud of our past, but even more excited about what we can achieve in the future.
A lifetime of service
Doug Cameron was instrumental in the establishment of Guide Dogs NSW/ACT in 1957. As a founder, past Board member, volunteer, major donor and benefactor, Doug’s legacy will continue to provide support for generations to come.
Did you know?
Guide Dogs NSW/ACT has always advocated for the rights of our Clients and the dogs that support many of them. In 1962 it became legal for Guide Dogs to fly domestically.
The first Australian Guide Dog
Elsie Mead was the first ever recipient of an Australian-trained Guide Dog – Beau, later working in public relations for the organisation and conducting a national promotional tour in 1962.
Collecting quite a reputation
Guide Dogs’ Collection Dogs have been a familiar sight across the nation since the 1970s, raising awareness of the movement and valuable funds for our vital work.
We are more than dogs, but they always spark our passion.
At Guide Dogs, we offer so much more than dogs. But these wonderful animals are embedded in the DNA of everything we do. They’ve connected us with volunteers, supported our Clients, and steered our very thinking on what else we can provide when they might not be the right solution for a person’s circumstances.
Equipping people with the skills, tools and support to live confidently.
We work with our Clients, their families and caregivers to increase their skills, confidence and access to support and accessibility tools, giving them more choice for how they go about their day-to-day lives and persue meaningful activities that are important to them.
Our Values.
Our Clients come first in everything we go.
Our core values are all underpinned by our focus and dedication towards those in our communities who need us the most.
Lead with head and heart.
Never stop exploring.
Lift each other.
Walk the talk.
Our Vision
A world that is inclusive and accessible for everyone with low vision or blindness.
Our Purpose
Break the boundaries that limit people with low vision or blindness.
Our Mission
Create opportunities and champion the rights of people with low vision or blindness. Build a community of individuals who share our mindset and ambition for accessibility and inclusivity.
As a family, we give to Guide Dogs because everyone deserves the freedom to live the life of their choosing.
— Barbara Scott
We aim to influence positive long-term change in systemic and community inclusion.
At Guide Dogs NSW/ACT, our Social Change team delivers ongoing systemic advocacy and community education on accessible and inclusive design.
We aim to uphold the rights of our community, removing barriers to provide the best outcome for the most people possible.
Supporting active living.
At Guide Dogs NSW/ACT our popular Orientation and Mobility Services offer practical skills to keep everyone moving with confidence.
Helping people achieve their goals.
Guide Dogs NSW/ACT supports people with low vision or blindness to navigate their vision loss journey through a range of personalised services.