Insights Spring 2026

We’re thrilled to share that Guide Dogs SA/NT client Megan McLoughlin has been named Blind Australian of the Year!

Megan dedicated the award to her children, who she says are “always my eyes”.

A disability advocate, journalist, Australian Dressage Champion, barrel racer and mum, Megan continues to challenge expectations and pursue her passions. With just 7% vision in one eye and no vision in the other, she competes in mainstream national competitions by teaching her horse, Biscuit, to respond to a whistle.

Megan is also the first legally blind Australian to qualify for the Australian Barrel Horse Association National Finals and founded the charity Herd of Hope. She’s now setting her sights on the Paralympics!

Just last week, Megan was crowned the 2026 Grade IV Australian PARA CPEDI*1 Champion with her horse, Mayfield Springsteen, affectionately known as “Boss”.

As Guide Dogs SA/NT CEO Daniel Cox says, “Megan embraces the opportunities that don’t just come her way, but those she creates!”

Congratulations, Megan. We’re so proud to celebrate your achievements!

On 8 October, Guide Dogs SA/NT marked World Sight Day with our annual celebration at Government House, hosted by Dr Richard Harris SC OAM, Lieutenant Governor of South Australia.

Around 250 guests came together for a morning celebrating accessibility, independence and inclusion.

Guests enjoyed two engaging panel discussions: one exploring the journey from puppy raising to a successful Guide Dog partnership, and the other celebrating participation in sport and highlighting the opportunities available to people living with low vision and blindness to participate.

We also proudly presented our 2026 Access Advocate Award to SANFL, with commendations awarded to Adelaide Metro, Feros Care and Torrens Transit for their commitment to accessibility and inclusion.

Guests enjoyed our Inclusive Sports Zone, interactive Vision Services experiences and the chance to meet some of our much-loved puppies and Ambassadogs.

Read the event highlights and view the photos: https://sant.guidedogs.com.au/news/celebrating-world-sight-day-2026

Last Thursday, 15 October, we celebrated International White Cane Day, recognising people who are blind or have low vision, their individuality, achievements, passions and goals for the future.

This year, Guide Dogs shared the stories of four Australians who are challenging assumptions and showing the many different ways people navigate life, pursue their passions and achieve their goals. Two of the stories featured members of our SA/NT community, Simon and Melissa!

A white cane can support confidence, freedom and independence. It helps people navigate their surroundings and can signal to others that someone has low vision or blindness. But it doesn’t define the person using it.

Too often, the biggest barriers people face aren’t physical. They’re the assumptions others make about what someone can do.

Through this year’s campaign, we celebrated the people behind the cane and challenged these assumptions, highlighting the importance of seeing the person, not just the cane.

Because a lack of sight is not a lack of vision.

Explore the campaign and watch all four stories: https://guidedogs.com.au/events/international-white-cane-day-2026/

Earlier this month, we worked with our partner, KWP+Partners, to host website accessibility workshops, bringing together members of our Marketing and IT teams, clients and staff with lived experience of low vision or blindness.

Participants shared their experiences, knowledge and feedback, helping us identify opportunities to keep improving our online experience.

Our website is designed to exceed AAA accessibility standards, but we know accessibility is an ongoing commitment. Listening to those with lived experience helps us understand what works well and where we can do better.

A big thank you to everyone who contributed their time and insights.

Have feedback about our website’s accessibility? We’d love to hear from you. Email hello@guidedogs.org.au.

On 13 October, four South Australian blind and low vision (BLV) footy players took part in a BLV exhibition match at the 2026 Toyota AFL Open in Melbourne, alongside the SANFL’s Inclusion Men’s, Inclusion Women’s and Wheelchair teams.

Representing SA, Dragan Bekric, Tyreece Bevan, Jaxon Carozza and Reuben Fairbank took to the field at Melbourne’s La Trobe Sports Park, supported by Col Kennedy and Nathan Pepper.

The match brought plenty of action and energy and showcased the growing opportunities for people with disability to participate in modified versions of football.

We’re proud to continue working alongside SANFL to help create more opportunities for people living with low vision or blindness to get involved in sport.

Looking to meet new people, try something new or keep active in the Northern Territory? The following activities are run by local community groups and are welcoming new members.

Swish (adapted table tennis)
When: Every second Tuesday, 9 am–11 am
Where: Table Tennis NT, Marrara
Contact: darwintta@gmail.com

Blind tennis
When: Every second Wednesday
Where: International Tennis Centre, Marrara
Contact: Andy Bhardwaj on 0406 396 138

Social blind soccer
When and where: Dates vary depending on venue availability and numbers
Contact: Paul on 0412 385 529 or Alison on 0401 170 186

Darwin Vision Support Group
What: A monthly, client-led peer support and social gathering
When: Last Saturday of each month
Where: Either Palmerston Recreation Centre or Casuarina Shopping Village
Contact: Paul on 0412 385 529, Alison on 0401 170 186 or join their Facebook group for updates: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CL2bCGwcB/

The above sporting activities welcome people with low vision and blindness of all skill levels. Bring a water bottle and yourself!

A big thank you to the Darwin Vision Support Group for compiling and sharing these opportunities with our community.

Our friends at Access2Arts are once again offering a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the magic of the 2026 National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant with live audio description.

This year, they’re once again inviting members of the community who are blind or have low vision to enjoy the Pageant from a dedicated viewing area on Wakefield Street in Adelaide on Saturday 14 November. Live audio description will be broadcast through Vision Australia Radio, bringing the floats, performers and festive celebrations to life as they pass by.

Places in the community viewing area are limited and registration is essential. Family and friends are also welcome!

Register for your free spot: https://access2arts.org.au/event/christmas-pageant-2026/

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!