Members for Aspley and Hinchinbrook visit GDQ

On Friday 8 October, Tracy Davis MP, Member for Aspley, invited Andrew Cripps MP, Member for Hinchinbrook and Shadow Minister for Disability Services and Multicultural Affairs to GDQ to introduce him to the work of Guide Dogs Queensland.

Ms Davis said she was proud to have GDQ in her electorate and felt it was important for Mr Cripps to see first-hand the extent and quality of our services.

Ms Davis and Mr Cripps were hosted by our CEO Chris Laine and toured the Breeding and Training Centre’s Client Residence, Kennels and Income Streams departments. A highlight was meeting our ‘K’ Litter puppies – in particular ‘Krimson’ who enjoyed an extended cuddle with the North Queensland MP.

Mr Cripps learned about the extent of our services from children’s orientation and mobility training programs, Long Cane training, electronics and Guide Dog mobility.

Mr Cripps said he was impressed to see the level of professionalism at GDQ and the way in which we support our services through income streams and fundraising. He also learned how services were provided free of charge, despite the association receiving minimal government funding.

GDQ receives less than seven per cent in funding state and federal combined for some specific rehabilitation programs but none for our Guide Dogs.