65 years of vision, courage and companionship

On May 6 2025, we proudly celebrated 65 years of Seeing Eye Dogs, a milestone made even more special by coinciding with International Guide Dog Day. That’s 65 years of life-changing partnerships, incredible dogs, and inspiring stories of independence, confidence, and trust.

The celebration was packed with expert talks, personal stories from Seeing Eye Dog handlers and insights from leaders and advocates in the blind and low vision community. It was a day that was as uplifting as it was informative, bringing people together to reflect on how far we’ve come and the incredible work still ahead.

We were reminded that for thousands of Australians who are blind or have low vision, a Seeing Eye Dog is more than just a guide. It’s a loyal companion, a source of freedom, and a bridge to new opportunities. And this has all been made possible by a woman whose determination laid the foundation for it all, Mrs Phyllis Gration AM.

Phyllis became blind at the age of 8, but even as a child she was determined that losing her vision wouldn’t stand in the way of her dreams. Education was her passion and despite the barriers she faced, Phyllis became the first blind woman to graduate from a Melbourne University. A remarkable achievement that showed her quiet strength and fierce determination.

Always seeking ways to improve her independence, Phyllis travelled from Melbourne to Western Australia in 1957 to train at Australia’s first dog guide school, where she was matched with her first working dog, Nell. That partnership would change not only her life, but the lives of countless others.

Inspired by Nell and driven by the belief that Australians deserved a local dog guide service tailored to their needs, Phyllis returned to Melbourne and founded the Lady Nell Seeing Eye Dog School in Wonga Park in 1960. Lovingly named after her faithful companion, it was a symbol of how powerful a Seeing Eye Dog can be in a handler’s life.

Phyllis’ story is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when courage meets determination. She recognised that the services available at the time weren’t good enough, and she refused to accept the status quo. Instead, she worked tirelessly to build something better, something that would give people who are blind or have low vision the chance to live with greater freedom and confidence.

And now 65 years on, her legacy continues in every Seeing Eye Dog partnership. Each connection between dog and handler is built on the same values Phyllis championed, trust, excellence and the belief that everyone deserves to live life on their own terms.

Inspired by Phyllis’s unwavering drive for independence, the Seeing Eye Dogs team continues to innovate and push boundaries. Groundbreaking youth and wheelchair programs have been introduced, initiatives that are now recognised as leading examples across the sector.

As we celebrate this 65 year milestone, we honour not just the history that brought us here, but the future we’re continuing to build. With each new pup in training, we carry Phyllis’ inspiring vision forward.

To learn more about Vision Australia’s Seeing Eye Dogs, you can visit them online here - https://sed.visionaustralia.org/