- Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers
Construction of a new world-first sensory campus at the Guide Dogs Victoria headquarters in Kew is now underway, thanks to $5 million from the Andrews Labor Government.
Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers Luke Donnellan and Treasurer Tim Pallas today joined Guide Dogs Victoria CEO Karen Hayes with ambassador dogs and puppies in training to celebrate the turning of the first sod.
The redevelopment will include a modern, fully accessible education and training precinct, a commercial hub, accommodation for clients, office space and dog breeding and training facilities.
It will also include a new, specially-designed sensory campus, which will use lighting, scent, human enabled technology, braille and a range of other tactile features to create an inclusive and engaging space for people with low vision or blindness.
The redevelopment will also help Guide Dogs Victoria raise valuable funds, with local facilities such as a veterinary centre, day boarding for dogs and an on-site café that will provide job opportunities for people with low vision or blindness.
The Labor Government contributed to the redevelopment from the Community Support Fund, which provides approximately $146 million a year to help build strong and sustainable communities across Victoria.
Construction of the new facility is expected to be completed by mid-2022.
As stated by Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers Luke Donnellan
"We're pleased to support Guide Dogs Victoria's exciting new campus with a $5 million investment, which will help them grow and expand their vital services in Victoria."
"We're working to make sure Victoria is a place where people with disability are supported and empowered to make choices and reach their potential, and guide dogs are an important part of that."
As stated by Treasurer Tim Pallas
"This is the start of an exciting new chapter for Guide Dogs Victoria and the Andrews Labor Government is very pleased to support it."
"I'd like to commend Guide Dogs Victoria for fostering an inclusive community and for developing a new and more sustainable business model."
