Fourteen Tasmanians now live with greater freedom and confidence thanks to the newest class of Guide and Assistance Dogs graduating with their handlers at a special ceremony in Launceston on Tuesday, 2 September.
The 2025 graduates — including Kayla, Andy, Elroy, Arlo, Andrew, Jimmy, Cydee, Enzo, Vicky, Astro, Daisy, Genie, and the very first Tasmanian-born puppies Digby and Dora were matched with people whose lives are now transformed through greater independence, freedom, and hope.
“Graduation isn’t just about the dogs — it’s about the people whose lives are forever changed,” said Kim Ryan, Business Manager Dog Services at Guide Dogs Tasmania. “Each partnership represents new opportunities, new confidence and new possibilities for living the life you want.”
This year’s graduation is especially significant, marking a proud milestone for the entire Tasmanian community. Digby and Dora, the first puppies born through Guide Dogs Tasmania’s local breeding program, are graduating and stepping into their working lives. “Their success is not only their own—it is proof of what Tasmanians can achieve together by raising, training, and supporting dogs that transform lives in our own communities.
Behind every partnership is a community of support. Puppy Development Program volunteers devoted 18 months to nurturing each dog from puppyhood, preparing them for their future life-changing career.
Guests at the ceremony at The Tailrace Centre heard first-hand from new Guide and Assistance Dog Handlers, along with the dedicated volunteers who raised their dogs. Their stories reveal the powerful ripple effect these partnerships create — providing hope not just for individuals, but for families and communities across Tasmania.
The special moments were captured below, showcasing the heart-warming celebration, the culmination of hard work, and the beginning of new journeys for our extraordinary Guide and Assistance Dogs.
