New assistance dogs training centre bounding ahead

The Australian Government’s $2 million election commitment towards the first stage of the new National Training Centre for Assistance Dogs Australia in Orchard Hills (in Sydney's outer west) is taking leaps and bounds, with construction underway since June.

$500,000 in Australian Government funding has already flowed to the project, which includes new kennelling and administrative quarters to double the number of assistance dogs that can be bred and trained at the centre.

Increasing the number of assistance dogs available will allow Assistance Dogs Australia to gradually re-open their waiting list for new clients.

The new facility will also provide significant benefits to the Western Sydney economy during and after construction by unlocking employment opportunities and using local suppliers. This will have flow-on benefits for businesses such as retail and hospitality.

Assistance Dogs Australia has estimated up to 150 direct jobs will be created at peak construction, with up to an additional 30 new ongoing jobs to be supported at the new facility.

The project is expected to be completed in 2024 and is being funded under the Australian Government’s Priority Community Infrastructure Program.

For more information on the program visit the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts website. 

Quotes attributable to Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:

“We are getting on with the job of delivering on our election commitment to support the first stage of the new National Training Centre in Orchard Hills, which is a much-needed project for Assistance Dogs Australia and the people they support.

“I look forward to seeing this work continue to support a real jobs and economic boost for Western Sydney while delivering the new training facility, which will benefit Australians living with a disability for years to come.

“This project is a demonstration of our Government’s ongoing commitment to providing new and improved infrastructure that bolsters social inclusion and encourages communities to thrive, both economically and socially.”

Quotes attributable to Senator for NSW, Tony Sheldon:

“Assistance Dogs Australia provides trained assistance dogs to support people with autism spectrum disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, physical disabilities, dementia and more.

“But the waiting list for assistance dogs is currently closed to new clients, as the existing facility at Waterfall is outdated and at capacity.

“This project will increase the number of trained dogs available, so that Assistance Dogs Australia can re-open the waiting list to support even more Australians living with a disability to receive the assistance they need to build independence, improve their daily lives and back their participation in the community.”