- Published:
- Tuesday 27 May 2025 at 11:10 am
- Published by:
- Department of Government Services
It’s not every day that the Department of Government Services (DGS) welcomes puppies to its offices.
So you can imagine the flurry of excitement that accompanied our VIP – Very Important Puppy – guests.
These weren’t just ordinary puppies, either. They were ‘Puppies in Training’ from Vision Australia’s Seeing Eye Dogs organisation.
The puppies were one of the many highlights of the ‘Combined Enablers Network Guide Dog Day’ event held to celebrate International Guide Dog Day.
The event focused on the invaluable support seeing eye dogs (also known as guide dogs) provide to people who are blind or have low vision.
Vision Australia estimates there are currently 453,000 people in Australia who are blind or have low vision. They project that number will grow to 564,000 by 2030.
We were encouraged to reflect on the importance of making our workplaces accessible and inclusive.
Guest speaker, Chris Edwards, put it best when he said:
“Remember, we all have a part to play in making our workplaces as inclusive as possible.
Your voice is important, and you can use it to make a difference to people in the Victorian Public Service (VPS) who are blind or with low vision.”
Chris generously shared his key lessons from over 25 years in leadership roles at Vision Australia and across the disability sector.
He spoke passionately to the full audience about the importance of disability voice in leadership. He recounted the story of Phyllis Gration AM, who founded the organisation now known as Seeing Eye Dogs in 1960.
Phyllis built the organisation on the principle that it should offer services that people who are blind or have low vision actually want.
This was a revolutionary concept at the time. For example, through her leadership, Phillis introduced additional commands for seeing eye dogs, beyond the standard 6. Chris shared the following advice:
“We need to learn from Phillis and not accept the status quo. Just because it’s always been done a certain way doesn’t mean we need to stick to that way.”
Chris also shared heartwarming tales about the role his 2 seeing eye dogs have played in his life.
His first dog, Odie, was somewhat of a celebrity, having been the first dog ever to enter the Senate chamber. Odie didn’t let fame get to his head though, as he was always by Chris’ side, at the ready to help.
His current dog, Eva, is also a good worker. But, as Chris said through chuckles:
“When the work day is over, she checks out.”
While each of his dogs have had a distinct personality, both have kept him safe, independent and confident to get around. Such qualities make seeing eye dogs a critical part of the lives of many people who are blind or have low vision.
In his speech, Chris also put a spotlight on the Combined Enablers Network, who hosted the event. This staff-led network is for people with disability or long-term medical conditions, their carers and allies across DGS, the Department of Premier and Cabinet (DPC) and Department of Treasury and Finance (DTF).
“The Combined Enablers Network is super important to the VPS as it helps to shape it in a way that’s inclusive.”
Chris’ visit clearly had a positive impact on attendees. Just ask Jayne Rozario, Senior Manager, Multicultural Communications and Events, Office of the Secretary/Executive at DPC, who said:
“It was great to hear from Chris' lived experience about the challenges that people who are blind or have low vision face.
I admire him, his advocacy work and his solutions-focused attitude to ensure people who are blind or have low vision receive the support they need. Thank you to the team for organising this great event!”
Gayle Porthouse, Deputy Secretary Corporate Shared Services and Executive Champion for Disability and Inclusion at DGS, also spoke at the event. She outlined DGS’ commitment to accessibility for employees with a disability, and noted the importance of involving them in the process.
To close off the morning, attendees had the opportunity to chat to our guests from Vision Australia and pat the puppies. We didn’t need to be told twice to get in one last puppy cuddle!
Thank you to everyone who attended, Chris Edwards, the team from Vision Australia and our Executive Champions for Disability and Inclusion, Gayle Porthouse, Matt O’Connor and Joshua Puls.
A special shout out to the Combined Enablers Network, who hosted the incredibly popular event. If you’re a DGS, DPC or DTF employee who’s interested in joining, contact Helena Jordan(opens in a new window).
And finally, to answer the question many of you must have:
Yes – all of these gorgeous puppies are looking for homes! If you’re interested in fostering a seeing eye dog, contact Seeing Eye Dogs(opens in a new window) for more details.
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