History FAQ
When did the Guide Dog movement start in Australia?
The first guide dog Dreena arrived in Australia from the UK in August 1950. This led to the establishment of the first Australian Guide Dog school in Perth in 1951. In 1957 this became the national association - Royal Guide Dogs Associations of Australia. In 1962, a National Guide Dog and Mobility Training Centre was established in Kew, Victoria in 1962.
When did the Royal Guide Dog Associations of Australia separate into state associations?
In 1998 the decision was made for each state enterprise to focus on client provision in their state. Thus the Royal Guide Dog Associations of Australia separated into Guide Dogs Victoria, Guide Dogs NSW/ACT, Guide Dogs Queensland, Guide Dog Association of SA/NT, Association for the Blind of WA and the Royal Guide Dog Association of Tasmania. These organisations continue to be affiliated under the marketing banner of Guide Dogs Australia.
Is Guide Dogs Victoria connected with the Lady Nell Seeing Eye Dog School?
Although Guide Dogs Victoria is connected with other Australian Guide Dog Associations under the banner of Guide Dogs Australia it has no relationship with the Lady Nell Seeing Eye Dog School, now known as Seeing Eye Dogs Australia.
Guide Dogs Victoria is a member of the International Guide Dog Federation.
