A heartwarming moment in GDV history, connecting the past and the future. Our CEO Nicky Long met with some of GDV's longest standing employees of over 60 years of service, including Lyn Pandji, Diana Hatchley, John Gosling AM, Barbara Bedford and Val Riseborough. From a volunteer Puppy Nurturer to our full-time Nursery Team Leader, Lyn Pandji has a lifelong personal connection to Guide Dogs and has been working with GDV for the last 15 years. Her father, Eric Hatchley was a founding leader in the Guide Dogs movement, leading to the establishment of GDV. Lyn’s mother, Diana Hatchley worked in various roles within GDV including Puppy Raising, Breeding and in our kennels. Notably, Diana named and recorded all the details of every puppy for 50 years. For over 50 years, John Gosling AM has played a pivotal role in the establishment and accreditation of Guide Dog schools worldwide, even serving on the board of the International Guide Dog Federation. During this time, Val Riseborough worked alongside John for 10 years at GDV. Volunteering as a Puppy Raiser and then working in the Nursery, Barbara Bedford pioneered many programs at GDV, and to this day comes in every week to volunteer. From their passion and dedication comes our strong origins and well-built foundation. Their legacy promises to impact new generations while shaping GDV's future successes. #GuideDogsVictoria [Image Description: From L to R standing: Lyn Panji, John Gosling, Nicky Long and Barbara Bedford. From L to R seated: Val Riseborough and Diana Hatchley.]
How lovely it is to see these beautiful faces; it brought back many fond memories of my time at Guide Dogs Victoria.
What a special photo with some amazing people!
Husband, Dad, Grand dad, Friend
2moIt has been my privilege to have worked with some exceptional people. All have commonality of a love and respect of people and dogs. And, so it continues with a new generation of the same. Guide Dogs Victoria is a quality organisation and under of the leadership of Nicky Long Victoria can be proud.