News

International Guide Dog Day 2025 Wrap-Up: A Fare Go for Guide Dog Handlers

May 27, 2025

Image shows a man seated in a car with a black guide dog resting its head on his lap

International Guide Dog Day (IGDD) 2025 was a powerful milestone in our ongoing mission to ensure accessibility, inclusion, and respect for people living with low vision or blindness in Queensland. This year, Guide Dogs Queensland took a bold stand against the continued issue of rideshare and taxi refusals – calling for a ‘Fare Go’ for Guide Dog handlers and Puppy Raiser volunteers across the state.

A Campaign with Purpose

At the heart of this year’s campaign was a simple but crucial goal: to educate, raise awareness, and advocate for a fairer, more inclusive transport experience for people with Guide Dogs. Our campaign aimed to:

Educate rideshare and taxi drivers, as well as businesses, on the legal rights of Guide Dogs and their handlers in Queensland.
Raise awareness within the broader community that refusals still occur regularly – a reality that demands public support and systemic change.
Advocate for a more welcoming, accessible Queensland for all people living with low or blindness.

Media Momentum: Voices Heard Across the State

Backed by our passionate clients, dedicated volunteers, and allies in the media, the campaign reached millions across Queensland and beyond. With 103 items of media coverage across print, digital, radio, and television, we reached an estimated 5.2 million people!

Print & Digital Highlights:

Gladstone Today featured a moving story with client Dave Byars and Guide Dog Harvey, showcasing the impact of Guide Dogs in regional communities.

Television Impact:

7News Brisbane featured client Chris Littlewood and Guide Dog Alyssa, joined by CEO Jock Beveridge and puppy raiser Josie, drawing vital attention to ongoing rideshare refusals.
WIN News Cairns spotlighted client Jennea Kitt and Guide Dog Fritz, reaching audiences across multiple regional markets.

Image shows a news crew filming an outdoor interview in a park, with a woman facing a man speaking on camera as a videographer records the scene.

Shining a Light – Literally

In a stunning tribute to the cause, Brisbane’s iconic landmarks lit up in orange, including the Story Bridge and city skyline buildings. These glowing symbols reminded Queenslanders of the critical role Guide Dogs play in fostering independence and accessibility in our communities.

Image shows Brisbane’s Story Bridge glowing orange at night, symbolising support for Guide Dogs and their role in fostering independence and accessibility.

Celebrating Community: Staff Q&A at Bald Hills

Our Bald Hills campus hosted a thoughtful IGDD event featuring a Q&A with the Guide, Hearing and Assistance Dogs (GHAD) team. Executive Director Lauren McFarlane, Manager Aggy Honkisz, and CEO Jock Beveridge discussed the importance of the GHAD Act and how it protects the rights of people with assistance dogs in Queensland.

Looking Ahead: Keep Driving the Change

While IGDD 2025 sparked important conversations and widespread awareness, our mission doesn’t end here. Every refusal is a reminder of the work still to be done. Let’s keep the momentum going.

Join the call: It’s time for a ‘Fare Go’ for Guide Dog handlers.

Whether you’re a driver, business owner, or community ally – you can help create a more inclusive Queensland. Know the law. Respect the rights. And stand beside those striving for independence.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who helped bring IGDD 2025 to life – clients, volunteers, staff, media partners, and the wider community. Your involvement made this a powerful week of awareness, education, and celebration.

As we reflect on the success of this year’s campaign, we remain committed to creating a more inclusive world – one step, paw, and story at a time.