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INTEGRA IN 2022
A Note from the CEO
Welcome to 2022 and thank you for your continued support and interest in Integra Service Dogs Australia.
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Behind the scenes we are working to improve our service delivery to make it easier for our clients. We have improved our systems and welcomed three new part-time staff members - Katrina Woodman, Melanie Rooney and Sophie Drew. These improvements and additional staff will assist greatly to build on the professional service and outcomes of Integra.
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Last year Integra had to overcome the difficulties of working through the pandemic. The cost and complexity of transport, the movement of the Labradors, and the difficulty in holding face-to-face training sessions has made Integra’s work incredibly challenging. While we were hoping with the easing of travel restrictions that things will be made easier for our clients as we enter 2022 the current flooding along the east coast of Australia brings its own unique challenges.
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We thank our Joint Patrons His Excellency General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Retd) and Mrs Hurley who continue to provide Integra with their support in these demanding times. We thank them for this.
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Our Ambassadors continue to be involved and support Integra from their busy professional lives, this is very much appreciated. I had the opportunity to meet face-to-face with Grant Edwards, officially Australia's strong man 1996 - 2000, on his trip to Canberra recently and discussed a variety of events he is keen to support. Grant is an inspirational speaker and invaluable source of information through global connections with law enforcement in the US and Canada.
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We would like to congratulate Anna Meares, OAM, on being inducted into Sport Australia, Hall of Fame and welcoming son Bill into their family. And, last but not least Matty Brumby, para-athlete, Ironman World Champion and Invictus Games Captain & Gold Medallist on receiving the Australian Sports Medal.
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During the period January - March 2022 Integra placed eight outstanding Labrador dogs. These dogs went to three Veterans and five First Responders. This month I plan to travel to Queensland and meet with a number of our clients, Instructors and sponsors. It always gives me great pleasure to personally meet with our committed Handlers and teams across the country and to see them working so effectively together. Separately, Integra also supported ten established Handler client teams in successfully completing their Public Access Test with their assistance dog over this quarter.
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Once again, thank you for your ongoing support and interest in Integra Service Dogs Australia.
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CEO, Integra Service Dogs Australia
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Integra has had the opportunity to highlight some of the amazing individual stories of how their dog has assisted them. We will feature these on the Integra website over the coming months. These special stories provide an insight into the end role that an Integra service dog provides to its handler.
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One of these incredible stories includes Geoff and Ida. Geoff experienced depression, isolation and shunned most human contact. Ida has changed his world.
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"Having Ida with me either out in public walking her or shopping or doing specific tasks, attracts a lot of inquiries from members of the public."
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"Where I would have put my head down and scuttled off to avoid speaking to people, I am now communicating with people who ask about Ida and the role of Integra."
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Jess Cameron, from Canberra, has taken on the challenge to break the World Record for the heaviest sumo deadlift in one minute by a female on 23 April 2022 – and help raise awareness and funds for Integra Service Dogs Australia in the process.
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Jess aims to reach $5000 for Integra and plans to surpass the current World Record by more than 400kg. The current record for this feat of strength is 4009.57kg and was achieved in Colorado, USA on 1 October 2020.
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Jess has overcome her own mental health issues and gained strength, mentally and physically, through her chosen sports. She trains 5-6 times a week and has competed in strength-based competitions in Australia and overseas.
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“I was drawn to Integra Service Dogs Australia because of the connections I have with serving members both personally and professionally."
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Thank you to all our Supporters
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Thank you to all our contributors and supporters. It was a difficult year, and we are grateful for all of our generous contributors and supporter who continue to provide ongoing assistance.
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The Canberra Rod and Kustom Krooze (CRAKK), now in its 32nd year, held an event in Canberra region in January 2022. The weekend helped raise awareness of Integra, as well as a generous $5000. Image below of cheque being presented by Les Rice, President, Canberra Hot Rod Association, with Harley on the floor in front.
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Every day we are thankful for every gesture that provides an ongoing foundation for the work Integra does.
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You can make donations to Integra Service Dogs Australia with confidence knowing that Integra is a registered charity, approved by the Australian Charities & Not For Profit Commission.
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Donations to Integra are tax deductible as approved by the Australian Taxation Office. We direct all of our resourcing into providing the best possible service dogs to veterans and first responders in need.
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