An update about our Vision and Dog Services teams.

I would like to update you on recent changes within Guide Dogs SA/NT related to our Vision Services and Dog Services teams.

Clients are at the centre of everything that we do here at Guide Dogs SA/NT, and we are proud of the way we continue to support clients, both through the provision of Guide and Assistance Dogs and our broader clinical and support services.

We recently aligned our Dog Services and Vision Services to form one broader team under our Client Services banner. This change enables us to better support all our clients and you can expect that our entire team is here to support your needs.

This change sees our Client Support Team engage with all our clients, helping to make sure that your appointments are booked in a timely manner, follow ups are delivered, and equipment is provided. They will be available to provide phone support to each client.

For Clients who worked exclusively with Dog Services staff previously, you will still contact these staff moving forward, however, our Client Support Team will work with you and our trainers to book appointments and follow ups, contact our Veterinarian Nurse, Jasmine Chilton, and are available for your general enquiries.

Our Guide Dog Mobility Instructors will join our Occupational Therapists, Orientation & Mobility Specialists and other clinical and support staff under the supervision of our Client Services Manager, Jason Loh. Jason is an Orthoptist with 10 years of experience and has been with Guide Dogs SA/NT for four years.

I am also excited to confirm that Lisa Walsh will be joining our team as Guide Dog Mobility Instructor, starting in October. We will be introducing Lisa to our Guide Dog Handlers over the coming months. Lisa joins our two cadets, Natalie Rea and Samantha Carr, and our resident Guide Dog Mobility & Assistance Dog Instructor, Lisa Shipton.

Further to these changes, our Dog Services General Manager, Lee Buckingham will be leaving the team in October. Lee has been instrumental in positioning Guide Dogs SA/NT for future success. Lee will be returning to Western Australia to spend more time with his family and to pursue other interests.

Guide Dogs SA/NT is proud to support all our clients and fulfill our purpose – to use our expertise in dogs and vision to promote independence, participation, inclusion and wellbeing for people living with low vision, blindness or specialised support needs.

I look forward to sharing more information about how these changes can further benefit our clients.

Kind regards,

Jason Clark
Chief Operating Officer
Guide Dogs SA/NT