World Sight Day is here, and Guide Dogs SA/NT is marking the occasion with a garden party at Government House. The event celebrates South Australians living with low vision and blindness, and the organisations working to make everyday life more accessible.
On the lawns of Government House, guests can try their hand at inclusive sports in the Inclusive Sports Zone. Think kicking a football, practising soccer skills or hitting a cricket ball, all with guidance from Guide Dogs SA/NT. The SANFL, cricket and soccer demonstrations will showcase how these sports are adapting to welcome players of all abilities.
Panel discussions
The event features two panel discussions. The first, From Puppy to Perfect Match, offers insight into the journey of matching a Guide Dog with a client. Panelists include Emily Hopkins and her Guide Dog Tanner, along with Tanner’s Puppy Raisers Fiona Byrnes and Roy Anlezark.
The second panel explores inclusive and accessible sport. Speakers include SANFL Inclusions Program Coordinator Nathan Pepper, SANFL Blind and Low Vision football player Isaac McInnes, Blind Sports SA Vice President David Penn, Bilbies Soccer Team coach Bess Hepworth, and Guide Dogs SA/NT client Zuzia Hart, a star player with the Bilbies (Australia’s national women’s blind soccer team).
Access Advocate Awards
Guide Dogs SA/NT will also present its Access Advocate Awards, which recognise organisations embedding accessibility and inclusion practices, including those undertaking Human Guide Training.
The SANFL receives the 2026 Access Advocate Award for introducing the Blind Low Vision League, proudly supported by Guide Dogs SA/NT. Commendations go to Adelaide Metro, Feros Care and Torrens Transit.
Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Joe Szakacs acknowledged Adelaide Metro’s efforts. “This recognition acknowledges the work Adelaide Metro has done and is continuing to do to ensure public transport is accessible for everyone,” he said. “We will continue to work with Guide Dogs SA/NT to deliver safe and efficient public transport options that allow people living with low vision or blindness to travel with confidence.”
Why it matters
Guide Dogs SA/NT Chief Executive Dan Cox said sports were increasingly accessible to more people. “We applaud the SANFL for introducing the Blind Low Vision League, which has meant so much to the people who have stepped up and taken part,” he said. “We also have several South Australians playing in the Bilbies. We want to share the message that sports should be accessible to everyone.”
Beyond the panels and sports demonstrations, there will be a Guide Dogs SA/NT puppy-in-training meet and greet and a Client Services stand showcasing assistive technologies.
The celebrations begin at 10am for a 10.30am start at Government House.
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