Media Releases

Find the latest Media Releases issued by Guide Dogs Queensland.  For more information contact the GDQ Marketing and Communications Manager Donna Hurley on 0419 409 538 or Special Projects and Public Relations Manager Julie James on 0457 883 827.

• Guide Dogs supporter takes flight

  The goodwill of a Bargara Beach woman at Christmas has paid dividends in more ways than one, after the mother-of-two won a once-in-a-lifetime travel experience by supporting her favourite charity. Debbie Rayner bought just one ticket in Guide Dogs ...

• Guide Dogs Dinner on IGA menu

  Customers of IGA stores in Brisbane’s North can now help put Guide Dogs into the hands of Queenslanders who are blind or vision impaired simply by offering their pet a healthy diet. ‘Leading RAW’, the much-lauded pet food develope...

• Loop hole closed in Queensland's Guide Dog laws

  Guide Dogs Queensland has welcomed amendments to laws in Queensland which give Guide Dog users equal access to holiday accommodation. On 1 December 2011, the State Government announced the Guide Hearing and Assistance Dogs Act 200...

• Airport tour takes the fear out of flying

  Catching a flight can be stressful at the best of times but it can be a particular challenge for people with low vision. Taking the fear out of flying before stepping onto a plane was just one of the aims of a special orientation of Rockhampton&...

• Blind cyclists in Ride for Life 6 November 2011

  A group of Queenslanders who are blind or vision impaired will compete in a grueling 86 km ride alongside Australian cycling great Robbie McEwen this weekend to help raise money for charity. The cyclists will join around 1,000 other competitor...

• Expo presents new options to people with low vision in Warwick

  Guide Dogs Queensland (GDQ) will promote the latest technology and training available to local people with little or no vision at its first ever Mobility Expo in Warwick on Wednesday, 26 October. The expo will give locals the chance to find out what ...

• Goondiwindi 'untapped' by Guide Dogs

  Increasing demand for help with lost or fading vision has prompted Guide Dogs Queensland (GDQ) to stage its first ever expo in Goondiwindi in a bid to connect local people with services.  The Association has received a number of inquiries from ...

• Bundaberg woman graduates with the UltraCane

  Achieving your dreams despite vision loss will be a major theme of an event in Bundaberg on Saturday, 15 October in celebration of International White Cane.  The Lions Club of North Bundaberg Local will host a lunch for local people who are bl...

• Radio announcer set to 'see' city under blindfold

    Cairns HOT FM announcer Jess Eva will go under blind fold and walk Cairns with a White Cane next week to highlight how local people who are blind ‘see’ the city. Miss Eva will do the walk on 13 October under instruction from Guide ...

• Story Bridge climb proves what's possible with a White Cane

  When Jefferson Mac reaches the peak of the Story Bridge this week he won’t see a thing but the experience of climbing the Brisbane icon will be a personal triumph for this blind university student. Two years ago Jefferson had “stopped livi...

• Brisbane celebrates OctoberFETCH Sunday, 2 October

  Thousands of ‘party animals’ will descend on Brisbane on Sunday for one of the biggest celebrations in the State’s south-east, but organisers insist there won’t be a dirndl or lederhosen in sight. OctoberFETCH is a day ...

• Guide Dog puppies fly to Japan

  International collaboration will be a major theme at a reception on Tuesday, September 27, to farewell two Guide Dog puppies bound for a new life in Japan. Special guests will include the Consul General of Japan in Brisbane Junzo Fujita, the chair ...

• Guide Dogs pins hopes on pin up pooches

  Guide Dogs Queensland is calling on animal lovers throughout the State to support its 2012 Calendar earmarked for official release at one of Brisbane’s biggest carnivals for canines. OctoberFETCH is a day out for dogs and the people who love ...

• New office helps Guide Dogs lead the way

  Blindfold walks and Guide Dog training demonstrations are just two of the interactive activities Guide Dogs Queensland is planning to share with the community when it celebrates the opening of its new office on Saturday, 17 September in Maroochydore. ...

• 'Fancy Finding This' ... for Guide Dogs! 23 July 2011

  An astonishing array of goodies is being gathered for Guide Dogs Queensland’s massive trash and treasure sale this month prompting organizers to predict bargains galore for savvy shoppers. An organ in excellent condition and brand new appliance...

• Taking the first step to independence in Rockhampton - 22 March

  A two-day workshop in Rockhampton this week will give local people who are blind or vision impaired the chance to expand their horizons in more ways than one. The Guide Dogs Queensland event will showcase what can be achieved through learning new ski...

• See Guide Dogs on 'Canine Angels'- Channel TEN, Sat. 19 March at 4pm

  CANINE ANGELS     Saturday 19th March, 2011, 4pm on TEN   This is the story of puppies that become 24-hour carers and transform people’s lives To some people dogs are just pets, but for others, they become as importa...

• Workshops open the door to safe mobility in Townsville

  A two-day workshop in Townsville will give local people who are blind or vision impaired the chance to expand their horizons in more ways than one. The Guide Dogs Queensland event on 8 and 9 March is designed to showcase what can be achieved through ...

• Get set for the pitter patter of puppy feet in Rockhampton - February 2011

  Rockhampton’s streets will soon be brightened by the pitter patter of Guide Dog puppy feet with Guide Dogs Queensland now calling on local people to raise their puppies. For the first time in its 50 year history, GDQ is offering residents the c...

• ‘Flood-puppies’ need new homes - January 2011

  Eight Guide Dog puppies born under dramatic circumstances during the flood now need safe and loving homes to be raised in. The pups – all of whom have names beginning with the letter ‘W’ - were born to their mum ‘Pip’ at...

• 'Webcke' likely to lead new Queensland team - December 2010

  Guide Dogs Queensland recently honoured rugby league legend Shane Webcke by naming one of its prized puppies after the former Bronco and Australian Test forward. The charity made the gesture after the man once regarded as the best front-rower in the world, committed himself and his family to helping the organisation raise funds. Shane is the new ‘face’ of Guide Dogs Queensland’s Christmas Appeal and features in a personalised letter from its CEO being delivered to post-boxes around the State. Given the widespread popularity of the former Maroon hardman and current Channel Seven presenter, the charity is confident Queenslanders will embrace the Appeal.

• Nathan gets to $1000 with a little help from his friends - December 2010

  8-year-old Nathan Bahr has finally reached his goal of raising $1000 for Guide Dogs Queensland after receiving a bonus cheque from McDonalds at Bracken Ridge. The Elimbah youngster has given up three birthdays and sold cupcakes on weekends ...

• Staff at CBA pass the hat around for Guide Dogs - December 2010

  A $10,000 gift from the staff at the Strathpine Branch of the Commonwealth Bank will help Guide Dogs Queensland provide the latest navigation equipment to children who are blind or vision impaired. The cheque was handed over to GDQ Chief Executive Off...

• Christmas lights up for Guide Dogs in Wynnum West - December 2010

  Wynnum West residents will host some very special guests as part of their Christmas lights display this year. Visitors to homes in Genjustins Street will not only enjoy a cracker of a Christmas light display – they will meet Guide Dogs-in-traini...

• Guide Dogs need a holiday too! - November 2010

  Guide Dogs Queensland is looking for people to board trained Guide Dogs and adorable puppies in their homes over the Christmas break.

• Bribie pair to star in Queensland campaign - October 2010

  Bribie Island local Darryl Welding and his Guide Dog ‘Urban’ are the new ‘faces’ of a statewide campaign to raise much needed funds for Guide Dogs Queensland. The story of Mr Welding and ‘Urban’- who was named after Australia’s most famous country music son, Keith Urban, has been featured in a mail campaign which rolls out across Queensland this month.

• Guide Dog 'Urban' to rival Keith's appeal - October 2010

  A Guide Dog named after Caboolture’s most famous son, Keith Urban, is the new face of a statewide campaign to raise funds for Guide Dogs Queensland. Driven, focused, and handsome - just like Keith, Guide Dog ‘Urban’ is a Labrador Retriever who became ‘the eyes’ of Bribie Island resident Darryl Welding in June.

• QANTAS offers passengers a 'Good Paw'

  Guide Dogs Queensland is celebrating a marketing milestone following news its recently released wine label ‘Good Paw’ has been snapped-up by the nation’s largest carrier, Qantas. Customers travelling on selected Qantas domestic serv...

• Guide Dog ‘Rosie’ and Mike set to play 18 holes - October

  Mike Maurice cannot see but with the assistance of his Guide Dog ‘Rosie’ and directions from a friend, he will play 18 holes in support of charity at the Townsville Golf Club next Friday, 29 October. The Rotary Club of Mundingburra’s Charity Golf Day will raise vital funds for Guide Dogs Queensland – an organisation that Mr Maurice knows well.

• Guide Dogs punt on high heels and horses - October 2010

  Christmas party revelers on the Sunshine Coast are urged to head to the track on Friday, December 3, 2010 for a race meeting to benefit Guide Dogs Queensland (GDQ). The Christmas Champagne Race Night will be held at Caloundra’s picturesque Corbould Park with proceeds from race sponsorship and corporate dinner packages to benefit GDQ.

• Do you see what I see? - October 2010

  More than 40 White Cane Users will descend on the Queen Street Mall on Tuesday, asking the community to ‘see’ the world through their eyes. The Guide Dogs Queensland clients will walk en masse around the mall to raise awareness of the Bra...

• Gatto secures big bucks at charity golf day - October 2010

  Controversial Melbourne identity Mick Gatto helped ensure a record fundraising tally was reached at a recent Gold Coast charity event to benefit Guide Dogs Queensland and the Gold Coast Hospital Foundation. More than $60,000 was raised at the MBA Partnership’s Charity Golf Day last Friday, helped along by a fierce bidding war for the opportunity to dine with the former ‘Carlton Crew’ kingpin.

• League legend Shane Webcke gives a free ‘kick’ to Guide Dogs Qld - September 2010

  Footy great Shane Webcke is helping to promote Guide Dogs Queensland (GDQ) through his work with local junior rugby league club, the Albany Creek Crushers. Mr Webcke, whose Royal Hotel in Leyburn sponsors the Crushers, asked the club to give GDQ free...

• OctoberFETCH, A Carnival For Canines - September 2010

  On the 200 year anniversary of Munich’s historic Oktoberfest, Guide Dogs Queensland offers its own festive gathering of party ‘animals’, OctoberFETCH: A Carnival for Canines. The FREE family day out for people and their dogs will be held on Sunday, October 3, 2010 from 9am – 1pm in Pine Rivers Park, Gympie Road, Strathpine and will feature a host of entertainment, competitions, kids’ activities and displays.

• Golfing legend to offer advice at charity golf day - September 2010

  Amateur golfing enthusiasts will have the rare opportunity to meet a legend of the game at next month’s MBA Partnership Charity Golf Day on the Gold Coast. Former World Top 10 player Rodger Davis will mentor participants during a complimentary coaching clinic prior to tee-off at the Lakelands Golf Club on Friday, 1 October.

• Paw-fect excuse for a coffee - September 2010

  Sunshine Coast residents are invited to indulge in a Puppycino and Pupcake at Raffaele’s Restaurant in Ocean Street, Maroochydore, next week. The canine-inspired cappuccino and cupcakes are available as part of Guide Dogs Queensland’s ‘Puppy Appeal Week’ from 6 – 12 September, with a portion of the proceeds going towards the training of more Guide Dogs.

• Guide Dog 'Tompson' gives Sam Powers the lick of approval - August 2010

  Guide Dog-in-training ‘Tompson’ has flown to Cairns to give Magician Sam Powers the lick of approval before Sunday’s Xtreme Illusions Father’s Day Show. Xtreme Illusions is a Las Vegas style grand illusion show, headlined by Mr Powers, who has performed in 16 countries, on TV before 10 million viewers and wowed stars like Elton John and Jamie Fox.

• Guide Dogs Queensland celebrates 50 years - August 2010

  This year, Guide Dogs Queensland has been celebrating 50 years of providing services to Queenslanders who are vision impaired. With the help of organizations, such as the Kawana Seniors Club, which donated $500 to Guide Dogs Queensland last month, the association has been able to provide these services free of charge.

• Southport students raise more than $10,000 for Guide Dogs - August 2010

  Students from The Southport School raised more than $10,000 for Guide Dogs Queensland earlier this month, in their 10th annual fundraising campaign. About 30 students from Years 8 – 12 collected $8,821 at shopping centres across the Coast in a three-day campaign from 4 – 6 August.

• Proceeds from kids' lemonade stand donated to Guide Dogs - August 2010

  A pair of school girls from Glenview has generously donated the proceeds from their lemonade stand to Guide Dogs Queensland. Hannah Coen, 11, and Anna Young, 12, raised $64.95 from a lemonade stand they set up outside their homes. Instead of keeping the money for themselves, the girls decided to generously donate the takings to Guide Dogs Queensland.

• Workshop offers parents and kids tips on low vision - August 2010

  Parents of children who are blind or have low vision are invited to learn about ways to empower their children at a free seminar in Hervey Bay on 18 August. The Guide Dogs Queensland Family Seminar, to be held from 10am to 1pm at the Hervey Bay Neighbourhood Centre, 57 Taylor Street, Pialba, will provide parents with tips on how to help their children maintain their mobility without having to rely on them.

• Workshops offer expert advice on low vision - August 2010

  If you or your child is struggling with low vision and a loss of independence, help is on its way. Guide Dogs Queensland (GDQ) will run free seminars in Bundaberg next week to check your vision and provide advice on what tools and training are available to keep you mobile.

• Council staff keep it casual for Guide Dogs Queensland - July 2010

  Gold Coast City Council staff recently swapped their corporate attire for casual dress in support of Guide Dogs Queensland. The ‘Go Casual For A Cause Day’ held on 24 June raised $1,647.20 for the association.

• Monster Garage Sale in support of Guide Dogs Queensland - July 2010

  Savvy shoppers can snap up a bargain in support of Guide Dogs Queensland at a ‘Monster Garage Sale’ in Toowoomba on Saturday, 24 July. Household items, furniture, bric-a-brac, books and unwanted treasures will go for a steal at the annual...

• Play a round for Guide Dogs Queensland - July 2010

  Escape the office for a few rounds of golf in support of Guide Dogs Queensland at The MBA Partnership’s Charity Golf Day on Friday, 1 October, at Lakelands Golf Club.

• Ceremony celebrates 50 years of independence - April 2010

  Media Opportunity. The joy of finding independence through the eyes of a Guide Dog will be celebrated on International Guide Dog Day, Wednesday, April 28 when 11 Queenslanders and their canine friends ‘graduate’ as a team.

• Cairns man celebrates independence - April 2010

  Mr Murray will travel to Brisbane for a special Guide Dog Team Graduation ceremony on International Guide Dog Day (28 April 2010) to receive a graduation medallion and provide a speech on maintaining an independent life through the eyes of his Guide Dog ‘Ike’ who he was matched with in the last 12 months. In addition, Guide Dogs Queensland will hold a fundraising stall at the Cairns Central Shopping Centre where another local Guide Dog user Geoff Skinner will volunteer to help raise funds for Guide Dogs.

• Guide Dogs celebrate 50 years with a ‘Puppycino’ - April 2010

  Guide Dogs Queensland will ask Townsville locals to enjoy a ‘Puppycino’ on Wednesday 28 April to help celebrate their biggest day of the year – International Guide Dog Day. On this special day on the last Wednesday in April each year, Guide Dog Schools around the world celebrate and acknowledge the life changing role of a Guide Dog. This year as GDQ celebrates its 50th Birthday, Townsville Coffee Club stores will sell a Puppycino coffee – a cappucino with a pawprint-shaped sprinkle, to raise funds for Guide Dogs Queensland.

• Magical Powers for Guide Dogs - February 2010

  Master Magician and Illusionist Sam Powers will lend his support to help Guide Dogs Queensland celebrate our 50th Anniversary and raise $30,000 for GDQ services in Cairns.

• All paws on deck for exciting new partnerships - January 2010

  In conjunction with their 50th year, Guide Dogs Queensland announces their 50th Anniversary Media Partners. GDQ will work with News Talk 1116 4BC as their Broadcast Partner and Print Partner Quest Community Newspapers to help celebrate their Golden ...

• Pawknock for Guide Dogs 50th Year - January 2010

  Knock Knock! - It's time to dust off your paws and sign up to raise funds for Guide Dogs Queensland. Guide Dogs Queensland celebrates its 50th Birthday in 2010 which means its annual Pawknock Appeal (21 February - 6 March) will be one of its biggest to...

• $1.4million Federal grant boosts training and services - Sept 09

  Guide Dogs Queensland’s plans to grow its cadetship programs, boost staff numbers and meet an expected rise in demand for services has received a significant helping hand from the Federal Government, courtesy of a $1.448million Jobs Fund grant.

• Award-winning winemaker headlines dinner for GDQ - Sept 09

  The Gold Coast will host an intimate dinner with Australia’s Winery of the Year to raise money for Guide Dogs Queensland. Tyrrell’s Wines will be represented by managing director Bruce Tyrrell OAM at the exclusive event at Bumbles Caf&e...

• Litters ready to benefit from Guide Dog Puppy Appeal - September 2009

  Guide Dogs Queensland’s annual Puppy Appeal is underway in Brisbane and will raise funds to help several new arrivals at the Bald Hills Breeding and Training Centre start the Guide Dog journey.

• Lord Mayor visits Guide Dogs Queensland - September 2009

  Guide Dogs Queensland welcomed the Lord Mayor Campbell Newman and Bracken Ridge ward Councillor Amanda Cooper for a tour of the Bald Hills Breeding and Training Centre, this morning. As well as a good chance to enjoy a cuddle with one of our Guide ...

• Muslim leaders invited to GDQ - Sept 09

  In a State first, Guide Dogs Queensland will host a seminar for the Imaam’s Council of Queensland on Thursday, September 24.

• New technology on show at Mobility Expo - Sept 09

  THE latest in adaptive technology, mobility and daily living aids and services that assist Queensland’s blind and vision impaired will be on show at Guide Dogs Queensland’s Mobility Expo on Wednesday, September 16.

• Exciting new career opportunity with Guide Dogs - August 2009

  For the first time in its 49-year history, Guide Dogs Queensland is accepting applications from the general public for the exclusive, highly skilled and rewarding career opportunity as a cadet Guide Dog Mobility Instructor. Until now, this much-sou...

• Tractor adventure saddles up for Mt Isa Rodeo - August 2009

  That ‘Tractor Bloke’, Frank Chiverton, has arrived in Mt Isa and will join rodeo festivities this weekend, having travelled over 2500km to help raise awareness and funds for Guide Dogs Queensland.

• Chasers condemned for degrading Guide Dog skit - July 2009

  Guide Dogs Queensland condemns the ABC’s Chasers War on Everything team for the degrading and potentially harmful use of a working Guide Dog in last night’s episode (Wed, July 22).

• Guide Dogs Queensland Manager receives OAM - June 09

  Guide Dogs Queensland’s Rehabilitation Services Manager Bashir Ebrahim’s 22 years of service to the nation’s blind and vision impaired community was recognised with an Order of Australia Medal, yesterday (Monday, June 8). Mr Ebrah...

• Guide Dogs Queensland welcomes study on safety of hybrid cars

  Guide Dogs Queensland has welcomed RACQ’s testing of hybrid vehicles in a bid to determine whether they are a threat to the safety of people who are blind or vision impaired.  GDQ Chief Executive Officer Chris Laine said the low noise le...

• Jess and ‘Astra’ begin life as a Guide Dog team - December 08

  GUIDE Dogs Queensland client Jessica Kendall and Guide Dog ‘Astra’ have arrived home to Burleigh Heads having completed their training to become a working Guide Dog team.

• White Cane Day celebrates new mobility - November 2008

  GUIDE Dogs Queensland will celebrate mobility, independence, and the new technology that is helping its clients conquer new ground, on International White Cane Day, Wednesday, October 15.