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Chelsea • Mordialloc • Mentone
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Teacher’s pet: Patterson River secondary College students Mauricio Barragan, left, and Devang Krishnan with teacher Paul Robinson and Heidi, the golden Labrador guide-dog-in-training. Picture: Gary Sissons
School’s in for guide dogs WOULD-BE guide dog Heidi’s got a lot to learn – and where better to learn it than at school? The three-month-old Labrador is right at home among the students at Patterson River Secondary College under the care of teacher Paul Robinson, who is her puppy walker for the year. “She goes most places with me,” said Mr Robinson, who volunteered for the role last year. “It’s a big commitment because they need a lot of care. “She comes to class and assemblies and I’m about to start taking her to the shops.” Although “a little bit cheeky”, Heidi doesn’t forget her Ps and Qs: “At the Year 7 parents’ barbecue she walked
around meeting everyone but didn’t even look at the food because she knows she’s not allowed to eat anything but her own food,” he said. Protocols – by necessity – are strictly followed at school: when Heidi has her guide dog coat on no one is allowed to pat her or talk to her, yet, when she’s in Mr Robinson’s office, or out and about, she enjoys being treated just like a normal dog. Mr Robinson is charged with teaching Heidi the basic commands of sit, stay and come, but, when the time is right, further training at Guide Dogs Australia will develop her skills and personality until she is judged capable of partnering a blind person for life.
Bred through a US blood line to extend the Australian gene pool, Heidi is one of 25 potential guide dogs being housed with puppy walkers this year. All going well, she will have a litter of her own before re-joining other trainees at Guide Dogs Australia at the end of the year, making her a well-rounded individual. “It’s great that I can bring her into school, and the students get a lot out of it, too”, said Mr Robinson, whose had dogs “all my life”. “Some who may be a little disengaged can come to the office and pat her and leave feeling better” … which makes growing up more than just a dog’s life for Heidi. Stephen Taylor
Grants Program
The 2016 Community Grants program is now open!
THE Peninsulas FRESHEST MARKET
Saturday 20th February 9am to 2pm A unique market set under a stringy bark canopy showcasing the ver y best makers, creators, growers, designers and collectors from the Peninsula and beyond. 200+ stallholders, live music,kids entertainment, workshops, gourmet food & fresh produce!
Emu Plains Reser ve
Annual Grants Find out more about applying for Annual Grants at an information session. Four sessions will be held at Kingston venues in February and March. For further details on Annual Grants and the information sessions contact community@kingston.vic.gov.au or 9581 4803. Access and Equity Grants Kate.Daddo@kingston.vic.gov.au 9581 4734 Arts Grants Suzanne.Snooks@kingston.vic.gov.au 9556 4440 Children’s Week Grants Alison.Johns@kingston.vic.gov.au 9581 4885 Applications close 1pm 5 April
$4 parking to support Westernport Rotary and Emu Plains Reserve. Sorry, no ATMs or 4 legged friends!
Youth Festival Grants Open for enquiries from April Zorica.Djuric@kingston.vic.gov.au 1300 369 436
CRAFT
For more information kingston.vic.gov.au/grants 1300 653 356
Balnarring Racecourse, Coolar t Rd
www.emuplainsmarket.com.au
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gourmet
Chelsea Mordialloc Mentone News 17 February 2016
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