Guide Dogs Victoria unveils new $33m sensory campus in Kew

Guide Dogs Victoria has thrown open the doors to its new multimillion dollar sensory centre set to revolutionise support for the low-vision and blind community and their guide dogs.

Guide Dogs Victoria has thrown open the doors to its new multimillion sensory centre set to revolutionise support for the low-vision and blind community and their guide dogs.

The upgraded Kew campus boasts top-tier facilities, including a cutting-edge training centre, sensory garden, children’s playground, and accommodation for residential programs.

It also features a new community hub and a dedicated puppy courtyard, where future guide dogs will take their first steps in training.

Six week old labrador puppies, who will go on to become guide dogs and therapy dogs play in the Puppy Courtyard. Picture: David Caird

Chief executive Nicky Long said the revamped $33m sensory campus marked a new era in their mission to “empower a life without limits”.

“Whether it’s finding the perfect match with a guide dog, mastering the use of a white cane or using assistive technology — our services are tailored to support each person’s goals,” she said.

Accommodation rooms are provided for people to spend the first few weeks with their matched guide dog. Picture: David Caird

The multimillion dollar centre for the blind and vision-impaired community offers accommodation for people to match and get acquainted with their new pooch.

“When the dog is trained, we will match them with a blind or low vision person, and they will spend two weeks in this facility learning how to live with their partner — to navigate, to train and to mobilise and so they can both together learn independent skills,” Ms Long said.

The kitchen in the community space at Guide Dogs Victoria is designed with accesiblity in mind. Picture: David Caird

Lucy Carpenter, 21, who matched with her guide dog Dottie through Guide Dogs Victoria, said she felt isolated and challenged getting around and engaging with new people before Dottie.

“Beyond helping me navigate obstacles, Dottie provides a sense of companionship that is just invaluable when you have low vision or blindness,” she said.

“The biggest difference before and after Dottie for me was my confidence in going out.”

Advocate for blindness Lucy Carpenter matched with her guide dog Dottie in May 2022. Picture: David Caird

Ms Carpenter said Guide Dogs Victoria’s new facility would help people become fully independent.

“It’s so important to be able to do that because if you’re able to navigate a space independently, your confidence and your ability to believe in yourself is heightened,” she said.

“This facility is not only going to create a great environment for people training with their dogs and bonding with their new dogs but also for the children and people to connect together and explore different senses.”

The Immersion Room at Guide Dogs Victoria’s Kew campus offers a space for children to learn about eye health and blindness in an interactive way. Picture: David Caird

Ms Long said the upgraded campus provided an uplifting space that felt like a community hub rather than a clinic.

“We wanted to provide an uplifting space that doesn’t feel like you’re coming to get your service. It feels more like a community hub and a place where people will come and feel comfortable and enjoy,” she said.

Guide Dogs Victoria’s $33m sensory campus is built with full accessibility in the mind for the blind and vision-impaired. Picture: David Caird

Guide Dogs Victoria is opening its doors to the public on Wednesday.

MP Bill Shorten MP said Guide Dogs Victoria was setting a new benchmark in disability services in Australia.

“The new sensory campus is a shining example of how we can set the standard, providing a sanctuary where people will build independence with personalisation and pride,” he said.

“This campus is not just a facility; it is a beacon of what is possible in Australia’s journey towards true inclusivity.”