30-years of Assistance Dogs Australia
A visit to a US-based service dog organisation inspired Bob and Hannie Biggs to create an Australian organisation that would change lives through the partnership of highly trained Assistance Dogs and the people who need them. Known then as Assistance Dogs for Independence.
Just one year after being founded, ADA sent Andrew Biggs to the US for three months to learn more about Assistance Dogs, marking the beginning of a life-changing journey for Australians with disability.
With a new CEO joining the organisation, a team of three staff and one prison training program, ADA was laying the foundations for future growth.
ADA became the first organisation in the Southern Hemisphere to achieve accreditation from Assistance Dogs International, demonstrating a commitment to world-class training and client outcomes.
The fundraising team was established, beginning with a single volunteer whose efforts helped grow the support needed to expand programs and reach more Australians. As of 2026, we’ve grown our volunteer network to more than 400!
The first Assistance Dog was placed in a school, opening new opportunities for students to learn, engage and thrive in the classroom environment.
The first PTSD Assistance Dog was placed, launching a program that would go on to support veterans and first responders experiencing the impacts of trauma.
The first class of Assistance Dogs graduated in Western Australia, with five dogs placed and a new chapter of national growth underway.
The official Educational Support Dog program commenced, bringing the unique benefits of Assistance Dogs into schools and learning environments.
The first Courthouse Dog was placed, helping provide emotional support and reassurance to vulnerable people navigating the legal system.
Operations commenced at Orchard Hills following the purchase of land, creating a dedicated home for future generations of Assistance Dogs.
The opening of the National Training Centre at Orchard Hills marked the completion of Phase One of Assistance Dogs Australia's long-term vision, creating a world-class facility dedicated to breeding, raising and training life-changing Assistance Dogs.