News 

Guide Dogs NSW/ACT has announced the world's biggest guide dog will be called Gulliver in recognition of his role in reminding the public that guide dogs are allowed in all public places.

Gulliver was chosen from almost 400 community entries in a competition to find a name for the 4.3 metre replica of the distinctive Guide Dog collection boxes, which has been travelling throughout Sydney since being unveiled in March.

The winning entry was provided by Bronwyn Courts, from Dungog, who said she was inspired by the popular Gulliver's Travels novels after spotting the giant model guide dog on his travels.

"I have grown up helping raise funds for Guide Dogs NSW/ACT, as have my children, and I am thrilled Gulliver has been chosen as the name for this excellent initiative," said an excited Mrs Court, who has won a $500 voucher from OPSM for her winning name suggestion.

Guide Dogs NSW/ACT Marketing & Communications Manager Charles Ulm said the name Gulliver captured the essence of the giant model dog's role for the organisation and people with vision impairment.

"The public has really embraced Gulliver who has visited some of Sydney's most iconic venues to demonstrate that guide dogs can go anywhere," said Mr Ulm.

"Hopefully this will help improve community awareness as our research* shows more than a quarter of Australians still don't know that guide dogs are allowed inside restaurants, let alone shopping centres and taxis."

Gulliver will be on the road again during Guide Dog Week (26 April - 2 May 2010) as part of an educational campaign raising awareness about guide dog etiquette.

He will also be the centrepiece of a major fundraising campaign for Guide Dogs NSW/ACT. The organisation receives no government funding and it costs approximately $30,000 to raise and train each guide dog.

When not travelling, Gulliver lives at Sydney's Fox Studios and he holidays in a special kennel at Kennard's Storage in Camperdown. Both facilities are provided free of charge.


<< Back to release articles