Insights Winter 2026

AusAlert is Australia’s new emergency messaging system. It helps people stay informed and prepared during local and national disasters. A national test alert will be sent to compatible mobile devices across Australia on Monday 27 July 2026, at around 2:00 pm AEST (visit the AusAlert website to confirm the time in your state).

If you are blind or have low vision, AusAlert may read the message aloud if text-to-speech is turned on and may work with other assistive technologies such as refreshable braille displays and screen magnification tools.

The test will help confirm AusAlert is operating as expected ahead of its launch on 1 October 2026. Please note that all alerts after 1 October will be about an actual emergency.

Learn more about how the test will sound, look and more at:
www.ausalert.gov.au/community-resources/disabilities-extra-support

Every five years, the Australian Bureau of Statistics counts every person and household in Australia. This is called the Census of Population and Housing and the next one is on Tuesday 11 August 2026.

The Census website is designed to work with assistive technologies like screen readers (including JAWS, VoiceOver, NVDA), speech recognition software (including Dragon), screen magnification and switch devices. The Census online form includes keyboard navigation to support assistive technologies, including screen readers. It also filters questions so that only items relevant to you are shown.

For more information about the Census and accessibility, visit their website here:
info.census.abs.gov.au/accessibility-statement

Early July was busy and rewarding for our team and community in the Northern Territory.

From meeting His Honour, the Honourable David Connolly, Administrator of the Northern Territory and Guide Dogs SA/NT’s newly appointed Patron, to welcoming supporters at a Darwin morning tea event and celebrating NAIDOC Week at the Deadly Cup Carnival and Deadly Health Expo, it was a week full of meaningful connections.

Read our latest news article to discover the highlights and learn more about the impact Guide Dogs SA/NT is making across the Northern Territory: 

Read more here

Our Guide Dogs SA/NT website has had a refresh, making it easier than ever to find the information and support you need.

Whether you’re looking to request a service, access helpful resources, make a donation, explore volunteering opportunities, browse upcoming events or learn more about what we do, it’s all just a few clicks away.

A big thank you to our friends at KWP+Partners for bringing our new website to life. We are always continuing to improve our digital accessibility, so if there is any feedback you would like to provide, please get in touch by emailing info@guidedogs.org.au

Explore our new website 

Blind Sports South Australia along with support from Australian Blind Bowlers
Association, invite people living with vision loss to come and try lawn bowls at
Adelaide Bowling Club – no experience necessary! Bowlers are supported by a sighted director on the green.

Date: Sunday 16 August 2026
Time: 11:00am – 12:30pm
Location: Adelaide Bowling Club, Adelaide

Make an enquiry and register by emailing abbaenquiry@gmail.com or learn more about Blind Lawn Bowls here: blindsportsaustralia.com.au/blind-bowls

Guide Dogs SA/NT is proud to be supporting Adelaide Metro’s Try Before You Ride event on Tuesday, 28 July, from 1:00pm–4:00pm at Playford Civic Centre.

This free event is designed to help anyone living with disability and the general public to build confidence using public transport.

Practise boarding a stationary bus, learn about ticketing, journey planning, onboard safety and accessibility features, chat with Passenger Service Assistants, and experience virtual reality bus, train and tram journeys.

Registrations are encouraged, but drop-ins are welcome. Please help spread the word by sharing the event details with anyone who may benefit.

To learn more and register, visit:www.adelaidemetro.com.au/about-us/news/news-items/2026/try-before-you-ride-at-playford-civic-centre

Did you know that almost 60% of Australians don’t have a legally binding Will?

Don’t miss out on Free Wills Fortnight (7-21 September 2026) to celebrate Charity Wills Week with our partner, Safewill! They are offering you two weeks to write a free, legally binding online Will through their secure and easy-to-use platform.

If making a Will has been on your to-do list, Free Wills Fortnight is the perfect opportunity to get it done, at no cost.

This limited-time offer is available to everyone, so feel free to share it with your family and friends.

Learn more:https://safewill.com/guidedogssant

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!