On Thursday 8 October, more than 250 guests came together at Government House for Guide Dogs SA/NT’s annual World Sight Day celebration, recognising the people, stories and actions helping to create a more accessible and inclusive community.
Hosted by Dr Richard Harris SC OAM, Lieutenant Governor of South Australia, the morning brought together Guide Dogs SA/NT clients, supporters, partners, staff and friends to mark the global day of recognition.
World Sight Day is observed around the world each October, shining a light on eye health, access to eye care and the experiences of people living with vision loss. For Guide Dogs SA/NT, it is also an important opportunity to celebrate our community and recognise the role we can all play in improving accessibility and inclusion for people with low vision or blindness.
From puppy to perfect match
Guests heard from two engaging panel discussions throughout the morning, sharing lived experience and exploring different aspects of independence, participation and inclusion.
Our first panel, From Puppy to Perfect Match, explored the incredible journey behind a successful Guide Dog partnership.
Client Emily and Guide Dog Tanner, alongside Puppy Raisers Fiona and Roy, shared their experiences and provided guests with an insight into the many people, stages and experiences involved in a Guide Dog’s journey, from puppyhood and training through to being successfully matched with a client.
Kicking goals with low vision and blindness
Our second panel, Kicking Goals with Low Vision and Blindness, turned the spotlight to inclusive sport.
Nathan Pepper, Inclusions Program Coordinator at SANFL; Isaac McInnes, SANFL Blind and Low Vision player; David Penn, President of Blind Cricket SA and Vice President of Blind Sports SA; and Bess Hepworth, Coach of the Bilbies Soccer Team, came together to discuss participation in sport for people with low vision or blindness.
The conversation explored lived experience, barriers to participation and the role that sporting organisations, clubs, coaches and communities can play in creating more inclusive opportunities.
Guests could then get involved themselves in our Inclusive Sports Zone, with opportunities to have a kick, catch and throw alongside our friends from SANFL, Blind Sports SA and the Bilbies Soccer Team.
Recognising our 2026 Access Advocates
World Sight Day also provided an opportunity to recognise organisations making a positive difference through our annual Access Advocate Awards.
We were proud to name SANFL as our 2026 Access Advocate Award recipient, recognising its commitment to creating more inclusive opportunities for people with low vision or blindness to participate in and enjoy sport.
Adelaide Metro, Feros Care and Torrens Transit each received an Access Advocate Commendation, recognising the practical steps they are taking to improve accessibility and help people participate in and move through their communities with greater confidence and independence.
Creating a more accessible community is something we all have a role in, and we are proud to recognise organisations that are listening, learning and taking meaningful action.
Plenty to explore
There was plenty happening beyond the formalities, too.
Our Vision Services Team gave guests the opportunity to explore assistive technology and a range of interactive experiences, providing greater insight into some of the tools and supports available to people with low vision or blindness.
And, of course, it wouldn’t be a Guide Dogs SA/NT celebration without some four-legged friends! Puppies-in-training Gordon, Gunner and Eddie, along with Ambassadogs Merlin and Taurus, were among the morning’s much-loved guests.
World Sight Day 2026 was a wonderful opportunity to bring our community together, share experiences and celebrate the progress being made towards a more accessible and inclusive future.
Thank you to everyone who joined us, shared their experiences and helped make World Sight Day 2026 such a memorable celebration.
