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“I want to create a space where disability is forgotten and only the abilities of people are celebrated”
Karen Hayes, Chief Executive Officer, Guide Dogs Victoria.
About the project What is the 'Future is in Sight’ project?
The ‘Future is in Sight’ is a progressive redevelopment project that will enable us to meet the rapidly rising demand for vision support services. It will ensure we can continue to provide support for people with low vision or blindness for many years to come.
The ‘Future is in Sight’ project involves the transformational redevelopment of our iconic site in Kew, to create the world’s first fully accessible sensory campus.
The new campus will ensure that when people begin a journey with blindness, they will feel hope, warmth, and community, instead of fear. The campus will inspire people to embrace change and strive to achieve their goals in life.
The new campus will include:
- A world-class training centre of excellence.
- Residential accommodation for clients to develop independent living skills.
- A dog training precinct.
- A low vision clinic.
- A community education hub.
From dependence to independence How it will benefit the community
To ensure we will always be there for those in need, we had to think differently about how our organisation is supported.
Just like the people who access our services, we need to move from dependence to independence. We need to move from a reliance on grants and donations and transform into a thriving, independent organisation with a secure financial base.
To support this transformation, we are introducing four new business enterprises that will serve the local community while generating new income streams for our organisation.
The new commercial hub will include:
- A veterinary hospital.
- A teaching facility.
- A dog day care centre.
- An on-site cafe.
Stable support for the future Why is this project so important?
For the past 60 years, Guide Dogs Victoria has been globally recognised for world-class practice and innovation in the vision sector. The ‘Future is in Sight’ project will ensure we continue to deliver on this reputation by supporting the community for many years to come.
In 1957, we established the first national breeding and training centre for Guide Dogs in Australia. We now provide an extensive range of high-quality orientation and mobility services, supporting thousands of people with low vision or blindness, to live fulfilling and independent lives.
Historically, our organisation has received very little government funding.
Instead, we rely heavily on the generosity of the Victorian community: your donations provide vital funds for the delivery of services to those in need.
Around 15,000 Victorians are diagnosed with some form of irreversible vision loss every year. This figure is expected to double by the year 2020.
More than $20 million is required to make our vision for the Future is in Sight project into a reality.
We cannot restore sight, but together we can open up a world of opportunity for people with low vision or blindness through this transformational project.
Make your vital contribution today How you can help
The time to build is now. The opportunity is in your hands. Together, we can do so much.
For further information on the ‘Future is in Sight’ project or our supporting fundraising campaign, please contact Evan Gordon, General Manager of Fundraising on evang@guidedogsvictoria.com.au or donate now.
Our supporters so far Join the list of incredible donors
- Annie & John Paterson Foundation
- Aron Ping D’Souza
- Arthur Fullwood
- BB & A Miller Foundation
- Bell Charitable Fund
- The Late Betty Amsden AO DSJ & Betty Amsden Foundation
- Bowness Foundation
- Charles Thompson
- Dr John and Jenny Leaper
- Eleanor Baillieu
- Estate of Albert Webster
- Estate of Jean Stewart
- Estate of Jillian Broderick
- Estate of Margaret Olivia Troy
- Gandel Philanthropy
- Geoff and Alex Kent
- Government of the Commonwealth of Australia
- Helen Rule
- Iain Edwards
- Ian Potter Foundation
- Irena Cheesman
- Jeanette Brookes
- Jean Hadges
- Jennifer Gray
- John Downer
- John T Reid Charitable Trusts
- Karen and Graeme Hayes
- Kel & Rosie Day Foundation
- Lady Marigold Southey
- Len and Elana Warson
- Lord Mayors Charitable Foundation
- Luca Scribani Rossi
- Margaret Ross
- Helen and Warwick Rule
- McLeod Family Foundation
- Myer Foundation – Sidney Myer Fund
- Naomi Ryan
- Norm and Carol Hastings
- Patterson Cheney Group
- Paula and Joseph Pezzi
- Pierce Armstrong Foundation
- Roy Edwards
- Russell Walker
- Sally Lindsay
- State Government of Victoria
- Susan and Graeme Houghton
- The Russell and Womersley Bequest
- Vince and Gabrielle Giuliano
- Wheelton Philanthropy
