Welcome to the Autumn edition of Insights, Guide Dogs SA/NT’s client newsletter. We hope you enjoy keeping up to date on what’s happening at Guide Dogs SA/NT and reading the wonderful stories and practical tips for our community.
Use the audio player below if you prefer an audio version of this edition of Insights, it consists of two parts, hit play on the second audio player once you finished part one.
Part 1:
Part 2:
In this edition:
- Introducing Daniel Cox, our new CEO
- 2026 Social Impact Survey – we’d love your feedback
- Coming Soon: psychology service
- Behind the scenes with the State Theatre Company
- Kick Off: SANFL Blind & Low Vision Football League
- Guide Dogs Day: get involved
- Social Happy Hour: upcoming sessions
Introducing Daniel Cox, our new CEO
I’m very pleased to have joined Guide Dogs SA/NT as Chief Executive Officer in February this year. It’s a privilege to be part of such a respected organisation and to join a community that is committed to supporting people to live with independence, confidence and dignity.
Throughout my career, I’ve been dedicated to improving the lives of people facing barriers due to disability, frailty, disadvantage or illness. These experiences have given me a strong understanding of systems such as the NDIS and aged care, and the importance of designing services that are responsive, evidence-based and centred on the people who use them.
I’m excited about the future and look forward to working together to continue improving the services and support we offer, so you can live the life you choose.
Thank you for being part of the Guide Dogs SA/NT community.
Dan
Chief Executive Officer, Guide Dogs SA/NT.
2026 Social Impact Survey – we’d love your feedback
We invite you to share your feedback via our Social Impact Survey, as a Guide Dogs SA/NT client who has accessed our services in the past 12 months.
This short, annual survey helps us understand the impact of our services and how we can continue to improve. The survey is completely voluntary and confidential, with no individual responses published without your consent.
The survey takes approximately 10–15 minutes to complete and closes on 31 May 2026.
Complete the survey here: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/rYshDh05fV
You may soon receive an SMS message with the survey link, too.
If you would prefer to complete the survey over the phone, please contact our Client Support Team on 1800 757 738 to arrange a convenient time.
Coming soon: psychology service
We’re pleased to announce a new Psychology service that will soon be available for Guide Dogs SA/NT clients.
This service will be accessible via telehealth by an experienced and compassionate team of psychologists at Guide Dogs Queensland.
The service is designed to help you navigate the emotional impact of vision loss and to help you continue living a meaningful and fulfilling life at every stage of your vision journey.
Stay tuned for more information.
Behind the scenes with the State Theatre Company
Our recent Social Happy Hour with the State Theatre Company South Australia offered a fun, behind-the-scenes look at theatre. Participants explored props, costumes and backstage equipment, and heard insights from Artist Associate Shannon Rush.
The group also enjoyed a sneak peek of The Importance of Being Earnest: a comedy by Oscar Wilde about two young men, Jack and Algernon, who create false identities named ‘Ernest’ to avoid social obligations and chase romance.
We also learned more about the company’s accessibility initiatives, including audio-described performances and pre-show briefings for people who are blind or have low vision.
Upcoming accessible performances of The Importance of Being Earnest include:
Saturday 16 May (1.00pm briefing, 2.00pm performance)
Monday 18 May (5.30pm briefing, 6.30pm performance, with post-show Q&A)
You can find full booking details and explore access options below:
Bookings: https://statetheatrecompany.com.au/shows/the-importance-of-being-earnest/
Access information: https://statetheatrecompany.com.au/shows/the-importance-of-being-earnest/#access
Kick Off: SANFL Blind & Low Vision Football League
After successful Come & Try sessions, the SANFL Blind & Low Vision League is ready to officially kick off!
Participants recently enjoyed a training session with AFL legend Rory Sloane, who shared his top tips and tricks. In a special moment, the new guernseys were revealed and presented to players before taking to the field.
The first official match kicks off soon, and you’re invited:
Friday 16 May, 5:30pm–7:00pm at AFL Max, Adelaide Airport
Whether you’re playing, supporting, or just curious, come along and experience blind and low vision footy in action. We’d love to see you there!
P.S. It’s not too late to register as a player for the league! Email SANFL at inclusion@sanfl.com.au to join.
Guide Dogs Day: get involved
On Wednesday 29 April, we celebrate Guide Dogs Day: our biggest day of the year to raise vital funds and awareness for Australia’s hardest working pups: our Guide Dogs in training.
Last year, our incredible community rallied together and raised $338K. Together, let’s make Guide Dogs Day 2026 the best one yet!
Here’s how you can get involved:
- Host a fundraiser such as a morning tea, ‘wear orange’ day, fitness challenge or other creative idea, using our fun and easy downloadable resources pack.
- Volunteer on the day by making calls to our supporters in our Morphett Street office, or volunteer at one of our pop-up donation stands.
- Share the website with family and friends.
Learn more at www.guidedogsday.com.au/get-involved or email our fundraising team at hello@guidedogs.org.au to register interest in volunteering.
Social Happy Hour: Upcoming Sessions
If you’re 18 or over, we invite you to join us for our upcoming FREE Social Happy Hour sessions – a relaxed space to connect with others, share experiences, and learn something new.
Check out our next sessions, below:
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Colonel William Light, Ubiquitous yet Underexposed
Join us for a relaxed and engaging session as our guest speaker shines a light on the broad challenges Colonel William Light faced while planning and surveying early Adelaide. No prior knowledge needed, just curiosity and conversation.
Date: Fri 1 May 2026
Time: 11:00am-12:30pm
Location: Guide Dogs SA/NT, Morphett Street, Adelaide
Learn more and register here: sant.guidedogs.com.au/events/colonel-william-light-ubiquitous-yet-underexposed/
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Staying Active and Aware; Movement You Can Feel
Staying active can be difficult, especially when the weather doesn’t always cooperate. In this easy movement-based session, join us as we explore gentle chair yoga, simple stretches and balance exercises, led by a facilitator using descriptive verbal instructions.
Date: Fri 15 May 2026
Time: 11:00am-12:30pm
Location: Guide Dogs SA/NT, Morphett Street, Adelaide
Learn more and register: sant.guidedogs.com.au/events/staying-active-and-aware-movement-you-can-feel/
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Managing Meals when Living with Low Vision and Blindness
Cooking all the time? Draining. Eating out every other day? Expensive. In this social session, we share ways in which we can manage the tiresome tasks in the kitchen, and perhaps even share some tasty but easy recipes (yum!).
Date: Fri 29 May 2026
Time: 11:00am-12:30pm
Location: Guide Dogs SA/NT, Morphett Street, Adelaide
Learn more and register: sant.guidedogs.com.au/events/managing-meals-when-living-with-low-vision-and-blindness/
Any questions or queries about our Social Happy Hour Sessions? Contact Alana on alana.tiller@guidedogs.org.au or 08 8203 8338.
We hope you enjoyed this version of our Insights Newsletter. Stay tuned for the next one!
