Sydney, Sept 4: Guide Dogs Victoria has unveiled its $33 million sensory campus in Kew, a first-of-its-kind facility in Australia dedicated to supporting people with low vision and blindness.
The redeveloped campus, which will serve over 2,000 individuals in its first year, offers cutting-edge services designed to promote independence.
These include wellbeing programs, employment services, and assistive technology.
Funded by donations and government support, the campus features a training centre, residential accommodation, a veterinary clinic, and a community hub, all designed with full accessibility in mind. Public spaces include a retail shop, event areas, and a glass-enclosed puppy courtyard for viewing future Guide Dogs.
The campus aims to foster a sense of community and independence, providing clients with essential skills.
CEO Nicky Long said the facility’s mission to empower people with vision loss, while Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme Bill Shorten called it “a beacon of what is possible in Australia’s journey towards true inclusivity.”
With over 450,000 Australians living with low vision or blindness, the expanded services arrive at a crucial time.
Lucy Carpenter, a client and employee, highlighted the personal impact of the organisation, calling the new campus a “game-changer” for those relying on its services.
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