Last month our guest speaker was Amanda Heal, the public relations speaker from Guide Dogs Association of NSW and ACT who was accompanied by her guide dog, Sadie.

Amanda has been blind since she was born and has had four guide dogs since she was eighteen years old. She has been to university and has had a very full life.

The Association provides guide dogs, orientation and mobility services, enabling people with impaired vision to get around their communities safely and independently.

Each year their specialists work with about 4000 people of all ages to achieve their mobility goals.

The services are provided at no cost to clients and the Association depends on community donations. Less than two per cent of funding comes from government, its website states.

Guide Dogs NSW/ACT is also a registered provider under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). 

We also had Christmas in July at Southern Highlands Winery which was enjoyed by 56 members. A great day was had by all.

Our guest speaker for August was Susan McGilroy from the Goulburn Library who spoke on all the activities that were available to members, which was very informative.

Our next trip is to the Japanese Gardens at Cowra on October 25. The gardens, opened in 1979, also include a cultural centre.

Tickets will be on sale at Tony’s Handyman Store from the middle of September.