An important update.
From all of us at Guide Dogs, we would like to inform you of an important update.
After eight years of outstanding leadership, Dale Cleaver has decided to step down as Chief Executive Officer of Guide Dogs NSW/ACT.
During his tenure, Dale has led a period of significant transformation and achievement, including the development of our Social Change team and the launch of SeeWay to meet the unmet needs of people with moderate low vision across Australia.
To ensure a smooth transition, Dale has agreed to continue leading the organisation through to 31 March 2026, allowing time to recruit and onboard his successor, Ashley de Silva.
Ashley joins us as our new CEO, with a wealth of leadership experience across the not-for-profit and community sectors and brings a strong commitment to lived experience inclusion.
He is passionate about empowering people with low vision or blindness to lead independent and connected lives and most recently has been the CEO for CHOICE, and prior to that, was the CEO of ReachOut Australia.
All of us at Guide Dogs thank Dale for his exceptional leadership, commitment, and contribution to the organisation and the broader community. We look forward to the next chapter of our journey under Ashley’s leadership as we continue to enhance our services, strengthen our community partnerships, and drive innovation in support of our Clients.
Thank you for your continued support, none of the life-changing work we do would be possible without you. In the next edition, you will hear from Ashley.
A small change to our mailing details.
We’d like to inform you that our PO Box 496 at North Sydney has now been retired and is no longer in use.
To help ensure your generous donations reach us safely, we kindly ask that you no longer send mail to this address and dispose of any reply-paid envelopes with this address. Thank you for your understanding and ongoing support.
If you have any questions, would like to be sent updated reply-paid envelopes, or want to confirm our current mailing details, please feel free to contact our friendly Supporter Experience Team at 1800 436 364 (press option one) or email donations@guidedogs.com.au.
Our new mailing address is PO Box 6041 Blacktown NSW 2148.
Have your say.
We recently sent our annual Supporter Survey. Some of our supporters have already given us their feedback on our services. If you haven’t filled it out yet, there’s still time to have your say!
Cover star.
Enya.
Meet this edition’s cover star, Enya, the tiny Labrador with a whole lot of spirit. A black female from the lively E litter, Enya is one of the smallest pups to ever come through the Guide Dogs Centre, weighing only 300 grams when she arrived. But what she lacks in size, she more than makes up for in her confidence, friendly nature and love of people, according to our Dogs Team.
At Guide Dogs, we know that every dog is different, with unique personalities and quirks, just like humans! This is something we always keep in mind when matching a dog with their most suitable career or Handler later in their journey.
When our pups arrive at the Guide Dogs Centre at six weeks old, it is crucial that we start to work on their behavioural foundations straight away. This allows us to nurture their natural personalities while helping them develop the confidence and skills they’ll need for their future roles helping people with low vision or blindness live life their way.
During her stay at the Guide Dogs Centre, Enya and her eight siblings experienced vital early socialisation, including harness training to help them get used to their puppy raising coats, and then eventually their Guide Dog harnesses. Each pup also participated in our Positive Paws Program, where students from local high schools come to the Guide Dogs Centre to enrich and socialise with our pups to get them used to new experiences and teach them new skills.
The puppies also receive plenty of hands-on time with our Dog Care Specialists, Vets and dedicated volunteers. This includes a full health check, their first vaccinations and a microchip. They are fed three times daily with Blackhawk Puppy Chicken and Rice, ensuring they have the best start on their journeys towards their future careers.
We can’t wait to see what careers Enya and her siblings pursue.
Become a Puppy Pal and follow the latest litter on their journey to becoming Guide Dogs.
Puppy raising.
The puppy raising journey that came full circle.
For Siobhan and Adrian, volunteering as Puppy Raisers for Guide Dogs NSW/ACT has been more than a commitment; it’s been a life-changing experience. Over the past decade, they’ve raised three beautiful pups: Pearl, Aries, and Deevie, each bringing joy, connection, and a sense of purpose to their family.
What started as a simple trial in 2014 to see if they could handle the responsibility of owning a dog, quickly became a passion. Adrian, who comes from a country background, believed dogs should have jobs to keep them busy. Puppy raising naturally seemed like the perfect fit.
In 2021, when their third pup, Deevie was due to return to the Guide Dogs Centre for assessment and formal training, saying goodbye was still the hardest part, despite years of practice. What they never imagined was that this farewell would turn into a new beginning: Deevie would return to them, becoming their son Malley’s devoted Therapy Dog and a permanent member of their family.
For the past four years, Deevie has been Malley’s loyal companion. He’s there before and after school, sitting on the steps for a cuddle and a chat whenever Malley needs comfort, or simply providing silence and support.
But it’s not just Malley that Deevie has a relationship with; the outgoing yellow Labrador has many friends in the neighbourhood, including one who walks him every Saturday as a part of his regular routine, and several others who stop by regularly just for a pat. When Siobhan, Adrian and Malley are away on holidays, Deevie has a holiday home of his own in Nowra, where he goes for care to stay with a couple who have a Court Companion Dog.
Siobhan and Adrian have been continuously moved by the kindness of all our volunteers, who go out of their way to help each other.
“There is something really special about the people in the puppy raising community”, said Siobhan.
Now, having just welcomed their fourth pup, Siobhan and Adrian are delighted that puppy raising will always be part of their lives.
From all of us at Guide Dogs NSW/ACT, we want to thank our wonderful volunteers for choosing to give up their valuable time to help us train our dogs to become life-changing companions to people with low vision or blindness. We couldn’t do the work we do without you.
Vision services and reach.
How John regained independence with Guide Dogs’ regional services.
Aged in his eighties, John is an active cattle farmer living on a 1,600 acre property in regional, NSW. Despite his rural location and long history of glaucoma, which has left him with usable vision only in his left eye and a very restricted visual field, John continues to lead a busy life.
Living several hours from Sydney made it difficult for John to access specialist support, and he wanted to find practical ways to read his mail, the newspaper and other small print more independently.
Through a Low Vision Orthoptics Service session delivered via tele-practice, John connected with Guide Dogs NSW/ACT Orthoptist and our Tele-practice Assistant, Gail. Using the Orthoptics Kit, he was able to try a range of low vision aids during his in-home assessment. He discovered magnifiers and lighting options that immediately made reading tasks easier and learned strategies to maximise his remaining vision.
With grant-funded equipment supplied by Guide Dogs NSW/ACT, including a HaLo Go LED magnifying lamp and a hand-held illuminated magnifier, John can now read medication labels, food packaging and farming publications independently. He’s also planning to purchase an electronic video magnifier to help him study the data associated with breeding his cattle on his property.
John was thrilled to access the service without needing to travel long distances and is looking forward to building more skills with his iPhone and computer to stay connected and informed.
Prior to this, John didn’t know we offered a suite of services other than dogs, even though he has been connected with Guide Dogs for over four years after receiving his beloved Therapy Dog, Harper.
Offering appointments to Clients in remote areas is part of the vital work we do to support people with low vision or blindness to live the life they choose, including John, who we will visit again soon.
Guide Dog feature.
Being a Guide Dog Runs in the family!
Proud is an understatement when talking to any Handler about their Guide Dog. If you ask Guide Dogs Client, Sibylla, her Guide Dog, Velvet takes the cake for amazing genetics, a beautiful attitude and being the hardest worker she knows.
Velvet began her journey as a Breeding Dog for Guide Dogs NSW/ACT, as she has excellent health and temperament. However, when pregnant with her first litter of puppies, she experienced extreme morning sickness, so she couldn’t continue as a Breeding Dog. After giving birth and nursing her litter of 10 pups, Velvet changed careers and embarked on the Guide Dog Training Program. She excelled at learning all the complex skills necessary to safely and confidently guide her future Handler around their community and beyond, and was quickly matched with said Handler, Sibylla.
When it was time for Sibylla to trial a few Guide Dogs by walking with them, she knew as soon as she walked with Velvet that she was her perfect match. “I didn’t need to try any other dogs, I knew Velvet was going to be my Guide Dog,” Sibylla said. After graduating at the Guide Dogs Centre, Velvet came home with Sibylla two weeks later.
“She’s been amazing, she’s super soft and gentle and when she’s in work mode, she’s extremely serious and focused.”
Sibylla describes Velvet as a cheeky and playful Labrador when she’s not working, but when she’s in harness, she takes her job very seriously. “People are really astounded when they see the difference between when she’s working and not working,” says Sibylla.
However, it’s not just Velvet who’s a great Guide Dog. Her litter have finally grown up and graduated into four Guide Dogs and four Therapy Dogs, with two becoming much-loved Pet Dogs!
On top of this, some of these dogs’ journeys have been followed by some of our donors through our Puppy Pals program.
It’s been a full circle moment for Sibylla and Velvet’s Puppy Raisers, Mary and Jake, to witness Velvet’s pups graduate before they begin their future careers. The graduated pups will now finish up the final weeks of their training, before being matched with their Handlers and undertaking specialised training to guide and support them to live life their way.
Volunteer spotlight.
Merran Rudder: 2025 NSW Volunteer of the Year.
We are thrilled to announce that Merran Rudder, a long-time volunteer with Guide Dogs NSW/ACT, was nominated for the 2025 NSW Volunteer of the Year Award for the Central Coast region. This recognition celebrates her extraordinary dedication, compassion and the countless hours she has devoted to supporting people with low vision or blindness across NSW.
Merran’s journey with Guide Dogs began in 2009, sparked by a simple conversation with another volunteer. What followed was a remarkable 16-year commitment filled with heart, creativity and community spirit.
As a key member of the Guide Dogs Central Coast Support Group, she passionately runs stalls across the region, from Lake Haven to The Peninsula, raising vital funds and awareness for Guide Dogs NSW/ACT. Nearly all the merchandise sold at these stalls, including mugs, tea towels, hand-sewn items and artworks, are either donated or personally crafted by Merran.
More than fundraising, Merran’s passion lies in connection. She treasures the face-to-face conversations with supporters about puppy raising, our services and the personal stories people share about how Guide Dogs has madea profound difference in their lives. Merran’s warmth, sincerity and genuine advocacy have made her an unofficial ambassador, spreading the word about Guide Dogs long after she leaves the stall.
The NSW Volunteer of the Year Award honours exceptional individuals whose service has a profound impact on their communities. For Merran, the award recognises not only her years of generosity and commitment, but also the way she builds meaningful bridges between supporters, volunteers and the people with low vision or blindness who benefit from Guide Dogs’ work.
Her recognition shines a spotlight on the power of grassroots volunteering and reminds us that one person, with time, creativity and compassion, can help raise awareness, build community and change lives.
Client connections.
A friendship formed through Guide Dogs: meet Frank and Eddie.
At first glance, Frank and Eddie seem alike. Both live in Northern NSW, had professional careers, share a love of adventure, and they are both Guide Dogs NSW/ACT Clients. But their journeys with low vision or blindness couldn’t be more different.
Eddie has been using a long cane for 55 years, has had five Guide Dogs throughout his life and has long enjoyed the independence they provide him. His first Guide Dog, Lincoln, even joined him hitchhiking around New Zealand. Today, Eddie and his Guide Dog, Missy start each day with a four kilometre walk before tending to the garden or catching up with friends.
Frank’s story with Guide Dogs began only about 18 months ago when a sudden decline in vision made everyday tasks, including walking his dogs on the beach, challenging. Since then, he’s embraced Orientation and Mobility sessions, uses an ID cane, and has learnt how to use assistive technology.
The two met at a Guide Dogs Connections event, where Frank’s energy and enthusiasm for life clicked with Eddie’s humour and adventurous spirit. Their bond quickly grew into a mentorship.
“Eddie’s been terrific and his experience and knowledgehave been invaluable,” Frank says.
Mentoring comes naturally to Eddie, who spent two decades teaching law in Melbourne before retiring to a small country town in NSW. Despite receiving services from Guide Dogs for decades, Eddie only started to get involved in Connections activities when he realised they were happening regularly in his area. While Eddie enjoys his quiet rural lifestyle with Missy, Frank’s fearless nature sees him independently running errands, caring for his family, spending time with friends and travelling to Brisbane to visit other relatives. Frank’s positivity is infectious.
“I’m not saying life’s good because I’m trying to be positive,” Frank said. “I say life’s good because it really is good.”
“One of the biggest misconceptions about employing someone who is blind is that we can’t perform to the same standard, but that’s simply not true,” Shanahan said.
“I kept training, studying, and pushing myself to gain more qualifi cations and skills to even get a foot in the door. Eventually, I landed a job with a celebrity chef. But it shouldn’t take that much extra effort just to be seen and given a fair chance.”
Inclusive workplaces benefit everyone, unlocking innovation and productivity. When systems are designed for inclusion, they become clearer, more efficient and user-friendly for everyone. Diverse teams bring fresh perspectives, boost innovation and strengthen workplace culture. It’s just smart business.
Take the pledge to support inclusive employment.
Talk to your employer and start an inclusive employment journey by committing to these steps:
- Publish an Accessibility Statement.
- Audit job advertisements and position descriptions.
- Add an Inclusive Recruitment Statement.
- Develop a Workplace Adjustments Policy.
Guide Dogs NSW/ACT supports first responders after the Bondi attack.
Over the Christmas and New Year period, we were out supporting first responders to the Bondi terror attack who experienced an incredibly confronting event while protecting the community.
Our amazing Therapy Dog and Handler teams visited emergency services workplaces to provide calm, comfort and a moment to pause for those affected. The locations included Ambulance Control and Aeromedical Services, JewishCare, Bondi Anglican Church, Westmead Hospital Emergency Department, Tzemach Tzedek Community Centre, Lifeline as well as local and federal MP offices.
The response from everyone involved was deeply positive. Our volunteers shared that they felt honoured to be able to help in such a meaningful way. First responders were grateful for the visits and noted the genuine comfort the teams provided. A special acknowledgement was made to those who visited nightshift staff, who noted they are often forgotten.
This response was made possible by the generosity and commitment of our Therapy Dog teams and volunteers. We sincerely thank the Handlers who supported these visits and represented Guide Dogs NSW/ACT with such care and professionalism.
Everyone’s contribution made a real difference during a time when it was needed most.
Charlotte’s birthday wish: giving the gift of independence.
When Charlotte turned 13 years old, she didn’t ask for the latest gadgets or trendy clothes. Instead, she asked her friends and family for donations to Guide Dogs. Her birthday became a celebration of generosity and compassion, helping us continue to support people with low vision or blindness to live more independently.
Charlotte’s generosity began at just eight years old. Realising she didn’t need any gifts, Charlotte and her mum, Louise, chose to donate to Guide Dogs – a cause close to their hearts thanks to their own chocolate Labrador. Five years later, Charlotte has continued the tradition, raising an incredible $500!
Charlotte’s story reminds us that generosity knows no age. Her decision to give instead of receive is inspiring, and support like hers helps us train more Guide Dogs and Therapy Dogs and provide essential services to our Clients.
Giving that gives back.
For over 10 years, Helen has enjoyed being a part of the Guide Dogs family, sponsoring two incredible dogs through the Guide Dog Partner program.
In 2014, Helen began following the journey of her first pup, whom she named Violet, after her mother. Violet went on to become a working Guide Dog for a young woman in the ACT who is an opera singer, helping her navigate to and from rehearsals, concerts, and performances. After years of dedicated service, Violet retired in 2022, remaining with her Handler’s family, where she now enjoys a relaxed life of pats and cheese-and-bacon balls.
Inspired by her first experience, Helen sponsored a second puppy in 2023, naming him Ossie, after her father. She met Ossie when he was three months old and received regular updates throughout his journey. At 14 months, Ossie was selected to become a Breeding Dog due to his calm temperament and good genetics. Helen has treasured meeting Ossie’s puppies and feels a special bond with them, knowing she’s helping shape the future of many Guide Dogs to come.
If you’d like to learn about becoming a Guide Dog Partner, contact Kristie Lee at klee@guidedogs.com.au or call 0467 744 776.
A long history and a deep connection.
Ann has been devoted to Labradors and Guide Dogs NSW/ACT for decades. After more than 40 years of breeding Labradors, she first joined the organisation as a volunteer, collecting donations in shopping centres with her dogs, Chelsea and Zach. Her passion and commitment quickly grew into a lasting contribution.
Over the years, Ann coordinated the Puppy Raising Team, served on the Board in the late 90s, and played a key role in developing our renowned Breeding Program. Her expertise helped shape the remarkable puppies we raise and train today.
Now, with family and grandchildren keeping her busy, Ann has returned to volunteering when she can. She also continues to support Guide Dogs as a longterm monthly donor through Puppy Pals and, more than a decade ago, chose to include a gift in her Will.
Recently, Ann updated her Will to include one special detail: she hopes to name a puppy as part of her legacy, to provide a lasting connection to the organisation she has helped strengthen for so many years, and a gift that will change the lives of people with low vision or blindness.
Did you know, you can also request to name a puppy in your memory if you include a gift of $50,000 or more in your Will to Guide Dogs NSW/ACT?
Please contact Ali Kershaw on 0400 148 038 or email akershaw@guidedogs.com.au for more information on this process.
Corporate.
Hallmark and Guide Dogs: small cards make a big impact.
For most of us, sending our loved ones a greeting card is a small but thoughtful gesture that connects us, celebrating milestones and showing we care. For people with low vision or blindness, this practice has often been out of reach.
Through our national partnership with Hallmark Australia, that’s changing. Together, we’ve created a range of accessible greeting cards now available in stores across the country, bringing the joy of giving and receiving cards within everyone’s reach.
The twelve-card collection was co-designed with people who are blind or have low vision, featuring high-contrast colours, bold modern designs, Braille messages, tactile surfaces, and clear, easy-to-read text.
These thoughtful details remove barriers, allowing our Clients and community to take part in life’s meaningful moments, from birthdays, thank yous, celebrations, or simply letting someone know they are cared for.
“Opening a card might seem small to most, but for someone living with blindness, it highlights how often the world isn’t designed for us,” says Karlee Symonds, Guide Dogs Client.
“Accessible greeting cards mean my community can share in life’s simple joys just like anyone else, and that our milestones matter too.”
Explore the range today. Find the Guide Dogs card range at Coles, Kmart, Target, selected newsagents nationwide, or view the range online.
Thank you to our partners.
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Social change.
Inclusive hiring is smart business.
At Guide Dogs NSW/ACT, we believe everyone deserves the chance to contribute their skills and talents to Australia’s economic and social prosperity. That’s why our Social Change Team’s latest campaign focuses on inclusive employment, calling for system-wide reform so people with low vision or blindness, and other Australians with disabilities, can fully participate in the workforce.
Despite being highly skilled and ready to work, many people face outdated recruitment systems that lock them out. Job platforms and automated systems often fail to support screen readers or assistive technologies, making applications impossible. Algorithmic filters and rigid processes can screen out talent before applicants even have a chance to demonstrate their capabilities.
A new report by disability-led research organisation, Knowable Me, commissioned by Guide Dogs NSW/ACT, found over three-quarters of Australians with a disability cannot finish job applications due to inaccessible online systems shutting out skilled candidates.
Guide Dogs Client, Craig Shanahan, known as The Blind Chef, shared how determination and smart adaptations helped him run his own café after losing his sight.