Meet the team.
Introducing Sylvie Paquet, volunteer in the Gifts in Wills team.
Born and raised in Quebec, Sylvie moved to Australia for work to take up a two-year contract that was continually extended, and she’s still here 36 years later!
It was always one of Sylvie’s dreams to volunteer with Guide Dogs, and the Gifts in Wills team snapped her up over three years ago as a regular volunteer for the team. We love having Sylvie in the office every Wednesday and for the past three years, she’s helped with a variety of tasks from administration (including sending out new welcome packs to bequestors), to helping at events, and more recently using her technical expertise to support data enhancement. Sylvie’s contribution is invaluable!
One of her favourite memories is helping the team at our special bequestor events and getting up close with some of our adorable puppies!
Behind the scenes at the Guide Dogs Centre!
As part of the Daisy Circle Program, we’ve been running coach trips to the Guide Dogs Centre in Glossodia, where we breed and train our dogs.
The tours have been a great success! Everyone enjoyed meeting and chatting with the different teams to hear about their daily work with puppies, dogs-in-training and in the vet clinic.
If you would like to be added to the invitation list for a behind-the-scenes tour, please call Ali Kershaw on 0400 148 038 or email akershaw@guidedogs.com.au.
Client feature.
Blazing a trail to the Winter Paralympics.
When Taryn began experiencing flashes in her vision at age 36, she never imagined it would lead to a diagnosis of Cone-Rod Dystrophy, an inherited, progressive eye condition causing low vision. With no family history and no warning, she had to reimagine her life. What she found was not just resilience, but a whole new world of opportunity.
An active person by nature, Taryn embraced Para-cross country skiing and Para-biathlon, combining skiing with target shooting, with the hopes of representing Australia at the Winter Paralympics in Italy. Despite only taking up skiing three years ago, she’s training hard with her sighted guide, Lynn Maree Cullen, and already competed in a Paralympic test event in Italy.
The sport is physically and mentally demanding, involving skiing, then shooting five tiny targets with the help of infrared technology. Taryn also competes internationally, trains on snow in Australia, and even fundraised for her specialised rifle and overseas training. She’s aiming to meet Paralympic qualifying times in upcoming events in Mount Hotham and Canada.
Taryn balances her elite training with a full-time role in the military. In 2023, she co-captained the Australian team at the Invictus Games in Düsseldorf, winning three golds and a bronze.
In the lead-up to her wedding, Taryn reached out to Guide Dogs NSW/ACT for cane training, wanting to walk independently down the aisle. With support from Orientation and Mobility Specialist, Andrea, she achieved this, and now even runs with her cane.
Taryn hopes her journey inspires others with low vision to try winter sports; “things happen to some people so they can show others it’s going to be okay. I’m just lucky that was me, and I get this opportunity now to show other people they can do anything too.”
Volunteer feature.
Margaret's amazing journey: 20 years of puppy love.
For over two decades, Margaret has been a quiet but powerful force behind the scenes of Guide Dogs NSW/ACT, raising 27 beautiful puppies who have gone on to change many lives.
Her journey began with a suggestion from her local vet after her beloved Labrador passed away from cancer. What started as a way to heal, turned into a lifelong passion. “It is very tough at times, but it’s so worth the effort,” Margaret shares. “It gives me a great feeling of achievement. Before you know it, one pup becomes two, then three and so on.”
Margaret has helped raise some very special dogs like Vonny, Granger, Yale, Jagger and Kosmo, all of whom have grown into incredible companions for people with low vision or blindness. She says the most rewarding part is knowing the impact each dog will go on to have. “I am so proud of the dogs. It’s such a special feeling knowing they will be life-changing to their Handler.”
Saying goodbye never gets easier. But for Margaret, the pride always outweighs the sadness. Each pup leaves a permanent pawprint on her heart.
“It’s not about me,” she says humbly. “It’s about what the dogs go on to achieve.”
Now, with plans to continue raising pups well into the future, Margaret is still as dedicated as ever, giving back to her community in the most generous, hands-on way.
Could you be the next Margaret? If you’ve got love, time and patience to give, you can help raise a future Guide Dog and change someone’s life forever.
Dogs update.
Welcome to our new Puppy Pals litter: the Famous Dogs litter!
We’re excited to welcome the newest Puppy Pals litter, named after some of the most iconic dogs from movies and TV! Proud parents, Quinoa and Ossie have brought five playful pups into the world: Astro, Clifford, Roselle, Snowy and Toto. Can you guess who these pups are named after?
Exclusively named by our Puppy Pals, these pups will be followed from their earliest days right through to graduation. Becoming a Puppy Pal means more than just supporting our puppies from birth. You’ll be part of their journey every step of the way.
Canine Court Companion Program extended.
We’re pleased to share that the Canine Court Companion Program, a partnership between Guide Dogs NSW/ACT and the Department of Communities and Justice, has been extended for another 12 months.
Launched in 2023, the pilot program places professionally trained Therapy Dogs in courthouses to support victims and witnesses of crime. Their presence offers calm, comfort, and reassurance in what can be an overwhelming environment.
One court user shared about Vanda, a Therapy Dog in Taree: “She’s the main reason I’ve kept calm and sane. I’ll miss her when it’s all over.” Staff described how Vanda approached him quietly, prompting a smile and a welcome cuddle during a difficult time.
The program has made a meaningful impact on many people, earning strong support from legal staff, police, and court users. We’re proud to continue this important work and grateful to our supporters who make programs like this possible.
Servicing 11 courts across NSW, from Manly to Campbelltown in Sydney, to regional areas like Wagga Wagga, Lismore, and Taree.
Human interest.
Empowering our youngest advocates.
One of the many ways Guide Dogs breaks down the barriers for people with low vision or blindness is through our Student Education Program. At the heart of this work is Karlee, one of our passionate Lived Experience Presenters, who speaks at schools across NSW and the ACT each week.
Since January 2023, Karlee has been delivering engaging and insightful talks about the realities of living with low vision and how we can all become better allies. She speaks with students aged six to 18, covering everything from the difference between blindness and low vision, to how people navigate public spaces, and the importance of Guide Dog access rights and etiquette.
To date, the program has reached over 3,500 students and the impact is clear. Orientation and Mobility Specialist, Kylie, noted, “the kids were super engaged the whole time. Their thoughtful questions showed how deeply they were thinking.” In one case, a young student felt so empowered by the presentation, they brought their cane to school for the first time the next day.
Karlee also uses her own lived experience to help older students explore deeper topics like the social model of disability, equity, and accessibility. “The big message for me would be that people who are blind or have low vision are still just as capable as people without a disability,” Karlee says. “It’s the barriers in society with a lack of accessibility that makes things challenging for us, rather than the disability.”
By equipping students with understanding and empathy, Karlee and her fellow presenters help shape a more inclusive future. Today’s students are tomorrow’s change makers and thanks to our education program, they’re already stepping up.
Want to book a presentation for your child’s school? Contact our team at speakers@guidedogs.com.au.
Community.
Championing accessible beauty: share our new guidelines to support positive change.
This year, we proudly hosted the Boundless Beauty Summit in Sydney, bringing together industry leaders and changemakers to address barriers that people with disability face from inaccessible product design and packaging.
The event explored these challenges and showcased solutions. At our Inclusion Lab, Microsoft presented a digital innovation to help people with low vision or blindness identify and use products more independently, while emerging beauty entrepreneurs like ByStorm unveiled accessible makeup products and accessories.
Our Assistive Technology Specialists and Occupational Therapists also shared technology, techniques, and aids to help Clients identify, use, and categorise beauty products. Attendees left with fresh ideas and brands to use for their self-care routines.
If you would like to continue to spread the important words of this campaign, please reshare our Accessible Beauty Product Guidelines with your favourite beauty brands, friends and community.
Sculptures in the Garden.
In 2025, Sculptures in the Garden (SIG) marks its fifteenth year, proudly reflecting on its long-standing partnership with the Mudgee Support Group for Guide Dogs NSW/ACT.
Since the very first exhibition in 2010, local volunteers have been central to SIG’s success, raising awareness of Guide Dogs’ life-changing work and contributing over $200,000 in donations.
Now one of the largest outdoor sculpture exhibitions in rural NSW, SIG is more than an art show: it’s a community event dedicated to making a difference. Once again, all weekend gate proceeds will be donated directly to Guide Dogs, supporting vital services for people with low vision or blindness.
A highlight for many visitors will be the much-loved Guide Dog puppies, making a special appearance on Sunday 19 October.
With art, community, and purpose at its heart, SIG remains a place where creativity meets compassion.
Dates: Saturday 11 to Sunday 26 October 2025.
Location: Rosby Wines, Mudgee.
Events.
Celebrating graduates and generosity in Bowral.
This September, Guide Dogs NSW/ACT was delighted to host a very special Graduation in Bowral, celebrating the remarkable class of September 2025 : Babs, Franco, Cosmo and Flynn. Graduations are among our most treasured events, offering supporters the chance to hear from people with lived experience of low vision or blindness, meet our expert Puppy Development and Training teams, and of course, spend time with our beautiful dogs.
Each of our graduates has their own unique story. Babs, a dynamic dog with an incredible drive to learn, thrived in training and especially loved slipping into her harness each day. She carries extra significance, as she was named in honour of Barbara, a generous supporter who left a gift in her Will to Guide Dogs.
Franco, described as a sweet and clever boy, has won hearts with his gentle nature and sharp mind.
Cosmo’s focus and dedication promise a bright future as a loyal working companion.
While Flynn, a smart and affectionate girl, is certain to change the world for someone with low vision or blindness.
Events like this are a wonderful reminder of the generosity that underpins everything we do.
We are so grateful to our supporters for making these milestones possible, and we warmly invite those considering a gift in their Will to attend future Graduations. Seeing the transformation of our dogs into life-changing partners is the most powerful way to witness the difference your legacy can make to a person with low vision or blindness.
Corporate.
Caring for our canine colleagues: optimal health is at the forefront of what we do.
At Guide Dogs, one of our top priorities is the health of our dogs, including preventing disease, so they can fulfil the vital role of supporting a person with low vision or blindness to live the life they choose.
Our partnerships come to life through supporting our Clients like para-triathlete, remedial massage therapist and mother, Beth. She shared with us how her fourth Guide Dog, Flinnie, has helped her live a full and active life. “It’s important to me that Flinnie remains healthy and protected from parasites thanks to products like NexGard SPECTRA®. I’m always busy, so it’s one less thing I need to worry about.” says Beth.
Guide Dogs Australia has proudly partnered with Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health Australia for over 20 years. They provide preventative health support to our Guide Dogs across Australia. In the past financial year alone, Boehringer Ingelheim has donated more than 2,350 vaccines and 24,800 doses of parasite protection, including NexGard SPECTRA®, to our Guide Dogs.
We’re incredibly grateful to Boehringer Ingelheim for their ongoing support.
Impact.
Dogs: more than just pets, they’re family.
We always love getting out in the community visiting supporters. Not only do we get to meet you in person, but we also hear such interesting and inspirational stories spanning from childhood through to today. Rose, one of our long-term supporters, told us the story of how she and her family became part of the Guide Dogs family.
Back in 1949 when Rose was just a young child, her father was involved in a serious car accident and lost his sight. One year later in Perth, WA, the Guide Dogs Association began, with the arrival of Dr. Arnold Cook and the country’s first Guide Dog, Dreena. Over the next few years, news spread about the amazing work these new Guide Dogs were doing and in 1956, Fred boarded a plane to Perth to receive his first Guide Dog.
It was the beginning of a wonderful new life of independence for Fred. Over the next 50 years, four more Guide Dogs supported Fred and his family, something Rose has always been truly grateful for. When Rose’s father passed away in a tragic car accident, his last Guide Dog, Lily stayed with Rose and provided her with comfort, love and support in a way only a dog can. Lily’s ashes are now near the front door where she always used to lay.
Rose decided to include a gift in her Will to acknowledge the work of these remarkable Guide Dogs and the life-changing impact they make, not just to their Handlers but to their families too. As part of her legacy, Rose has requested a puppy to be named Fred, in honour of her father.
Ask Nancy.
Gardening with your dog.
Welcome to my very own column! My name is Nancy, and I worked as a Guide Dog for six years travelling all over Australia with my Handler. I retired in 2020 and have been representing Guide Dogs NSW/ACT at corporate and community events ever since as an Ambassador Dog.
In this edition, as we emerge from a rainy, cold winter and into the sunshine, I’ve got some tips on how to keep your pets safe in the garden.
What’s the best thing about getting out into nature?
Not surprisingly, one of my favourite activities is going for a walk. In the last edition, I said that I don’t like rain, but it does bring out some of the most interesting and intoxicating smells that can keep me busy for ages. It can be quite annoying for humans as we disappear into hedges and bushes!
Which gardening products are dangerous for dogs?
I’m not a big fan of gardening, but I can often be found lazing in the sun on a Sunday afternoon admiring the hard work of others in their gardens! In addition to some unpleasant and toxic plants, there are other items in the garden that can be toxic to dogs.
Unlike humans, we love the smell of fertilisers and manure. Unfortunately, these are not always safe for us and even small amounts of most fertilisers can cause vomiting and diarrhoea. Larger quantities can be toxic. We need to be kept away from any areas where fertilisers, insecticides, snail and slug killers and fox bait have been applied.
What are the signs to look out for?
If ingested or swallowed, the danger signs can include vomiting, diarrhoea or seizures. It is a good idea to check the safety instructions on the packaging before using fertiliser. The recommendations for safe use for humans should also be extended to pets.
If goggles and gloves are advised when applying a product, it can mean that skin or eye exposure will be a problem for pets too. I always stay inside when the humans are outside ‘spraying and spreading’ and am not allowed out in that area for an appropriate amount of time.
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