- Thirteen dogs are the latest to graduate from Guide Dogs WA's two-year training course
- $5 million WA Labor Government investment in breeding and training program producing community benefits
- Graduates will soon be helping people living with low or no vision, autism, developmental disabilities and those in the community experiencing trauma
Local Government Minister Hannah Beazley has celebrated the contribution of Guide and Assistance Dogs to the Western Australian community at a Guide Dogs WA graduation ceremony.
Yesterday's ceremony marked a milestone for 13 dogs and their handlers, after successfully completing two years of socialisation, development and training in preparation to begin their careers as Guide and Assistance Dogs.
The graduates included five Guide Dogs and one Facility Dog, that will undertake therapy tasks in facilities such as hospitals, courts and schools.
A further seven graduated as 'Brood Dogs' who have been selected for their natural temperament and trainability to breed future generations of Guide, Assistance and Facility Dogs.
Guide, Assistance and Facility Dogs play an important role in empowering people to lead lives of greater independence and inclusion. As well as providing support for people who have low or no vision, they also work with individuals living with other disabilities, including autism, and provide Dog-Assisted Therapy to those experiencing developmental delay or trauma.
Guide Dogs WA has been providing Guide and Assistance Dogs to Western Australians for more than 70 years. Today, with the help of more than 240 volunteers, Guide Dogs WA is the only State-based organisation that breeds, raises and trains Guide, Assistance and Facility Dogs for Western Australians in need.
In 2021, the WA Labor Government awarded $5 million to Guide Dogs WA to expand their world-class breeding and training program to meet the growing community demand for Guide Dogs, Autism Assistance Dogs, Therapy Dogs and Facility Dogs.
The financial support, matched by public donations, also provided for:
- a new fit-out of the Guide Dogs WA centre;
- specialised staffing costs;
- an increased fleet of fit-for-purpose vehicles; and
- specialised whelping and puppy equipment.
Additionally, Guide Dogs WA's Cadet Training Program has been re-established to increase the number of local, highly qualified dog trainers and Guide Dog Mobility Instructors in WA.
This will create local jobs and reduce the need to outsource dogs and trainers from interstate and overseas.
Comments attributed to Local Government Minister Hannah Beazley:
"I would like to commend the hard work and dedication of everyone involved in the Guide Dogs organisation in WA, particularly those who trained and looked after the dogs that have now graduated to take their place in our community.
"Guide and Assistance Dogs not only serve people who are living with low or no vision, they also provide support for individuals with other disabilities, and those suffering from trauma in their lives.
"As a government, we recognise these needs in our community and are proud to support Guide Dogs WA's breeding and training program, providing invaluable care and assistance to those in need."
Comments attributed to Disability Services and Volunteering Minister Don Punch:
"I would like to acknowledge the important work of Guide Dogs WA and recognise the valuable contribution made by hundreds of volunteers to prepare our graduates for their careers as Guide and Assistance Dogs.
"Celebrating the achievements of Guide Dogs WA, and the work they do supporting Western Australians with disability to lead lives of greater independence and inclusion, aligns closely with the vision of the Cook Government's State Disability Strategy.
"Our Government is committed to building a more inclusive Western Australia and empowering people with disability to fully participate in society."
Comments attributed to Guide Dogs WA CEO Anna Presser:
"Today we celebrate the incredible achievements of our graduates, as they embark on their next chapter of service as Guide Dogs, Facility Dogs, or within our breeding program.
"Together with the State Government, we reaffirm our commitment to breed and train assistance dogs to cater for the needs of the Western Australian community."
