The Australian Government's $2 million election commitment towards the first stage of the new National Training Centre for Assistance Dogs Australia in Orchard Hills (in Sydney's outer west) is taking leaps and bounds, with construction underway since June.
$500,000 in Australian Government funding has already flowed to the project, which includes new kennelling and administrative quarters to double the number of assistance dogs that can be bred and trained at the centre.
Increasing the number of assistance dogs available will allow Assistance Dogs Australia to re-open their waiting list for new clients.
The new facility will also provide significant benefits to the Western Sydney economy during and after construction by unlocking employment opportunities and using local suppliers. This will have flow-on benefits for businesses such as retail and hospitality.
Assistance Dogs Australia has estimated up to 150 direct jobs will be created at peak construction, with up to an additional 30 new ongoing jobs to be supported at the new facility.
The project is expected to be completed in 2024 and is being funded under the Australian Government's Priority Community Infrastructure Program.
