The redeveloped Guide Dogs Victoria campus in the eastern Melbourne suburb of Kew has officially opened, providing a world-class active training and education centre of excellence.
The redevelopment has turned the campus into a ‘sensory campus’, designed to seamlessly integrate people with vision loss, guide dogs and campus employees in a way that will stimulate and heighten the sensory experience.
“It’s fantastic to see work complete and now making an incredible difference in the lives of around 1,200 people with low vision across Victoria,” said Minister for Disability, Lizzie Blandthorn.
“The new sensory campus is an achievement that will empower more Victorians with low vision to navigate the world with confidence and independence.
“Guide Dogs Victoria has been a cornerstone of support for people with low vision, and this new campus marks the next chapter in their ongoing commitment to transforming lives.”
The project has delivered new guide dog training facilities, including an undercover Dog Training Plaza, for Guide Dogs Victoria’s Early Puppy Development Program.
Works also delivered:
- an education centre including multipurpose education space, multisensory play space, male and female bathrooms and one accessible bathroom;
- a café, including fit-out;
- residential accommodation including nine bedrooms with ensuites, shared kitchen, shared lounge area and five sensory breakout spaces;
- sensory garden including children’s garden and play area, new footpaths and integrated footpaths;
- administration spaces including open plan office space, reception area with lobby, seven meeting rooms, kitchenette and utility space, boardroom, executive office, multipurpose room, male and female bathrooms and one accessible bathroom;
- a sunken car park with upgrades to internal roads and driveway, parking for at least 62 cars and workshop/office/storage area;
- upgraded water, electrical, communications and fire services at the site on Chandler Highway.
The project supported 38 jobs during construction and created 45 ongoing roles.
The $33.6 million dollar project was funded by Guide Dogs Victoria ($26.1 million), supported by the Australian Government ($2.5 million) and Victorian Government ($5 million).
“I’m pleased to see the many benefits of this vital redevelopment at the Kew Guide Dogs campus come to life,” said Minister for Government Services and the NDIS, Bill Shorten.
“This campus is not just a facility; it is a beacon of what is possible in Australia’s journey towards true inclusivity.
“This includes the support of assistance animals such as those here at Guide Dogs Victoria.
“The animals trained here are more than just companions, they are a vital support and deserve to be recognised as such.
“These projects highlight the importance of the Australian and Victorian governments working together with organisations like Guide Dogs Victoria to provide expanded assistance programs for people with disability,” he said.
