Our history.

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• 1950.

  Arnold Cook returned from the UK with Dreena, becoming Australia's first Guide Dog handler.

  
• 1951.

  Guide Dogs for the Blind Association was established in Perth with Apex Club support.

  
• 1952.

  Beau became the first Australian-trained Guide Dog matched with Elsie Mead.

  
• 1957.

  Guide Dogs for the Blind Association of NSW was established alongside a national body.

  
• 1962.

  Guide Dogs gained permission to travel with Handlers on commercial aircraft.

  
• 1964.

  Jim Jones became the first full-time secretary and organiser for Guide Dogs NSW.

  
• 1966.

  Mobility aids were introduced, expanding services and staffing and fundraising needs.

  
• 1973.

  Juliet Jones became our first Australian-trained Orientation and Mobility Instructor.

  
• 1979.

  We adopted a new name reflecting broader support for people with low vision.

  
• 1984.

  The Therapy Dogs Program launched, providing companionship to people facing isolation.

  
• 1991.

  The NSW and ACT organisations merged to form Guide Dogs NSW/ACT.

  
• 1999.

  A university partnership established a new Orientation and Mobility training course.

  
• 2000.

  The new state-of-the-art Guide Dogs Centre at Glossodia officially opened.

  
• 2003.

  Guide Dogs NSW/ACT was renamed and relocated its head office to Chatswood.

  
• 2012.

  A dedicated puppy breeding program launched to strengthen Guide Dog outcomes.

  
• 2017.

  Guide Dogs NSW/ACT celebrated 60 years of supporting independence and mobility.