The Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia has welcomed its newest team member, and she happens to have four legs, a wagging tail, a talent for melting hearts and can even play the bongos. Bonnie, a black Labrador, is from Guide Dogs SA/NT and has been officially sworn in as South Australia’s first Facility Dog in a federal jurisdiction. Bonnie’s role is all part of a major step forward in creating a more compassionate and trauma-informed court experience.
Born in Western Australia in 2023 and raised in loving volunteer homes across Murray Bridge and Port Noarlunga, Bonnie has spent her first year preparing for a role unlike any other. Now, she takes on her new position with poise, calmness and an ability to sense when someone needs reassurance. Her training has been a meticulous blend of emotional conditioning, behaviour shaping and real-world exposure designed to help her support vulnerable people navigating family law proceedings. Bonnie will sit beside litigants, accompany children into intimidating spaces and offer grounding during some of the most challenging moments of their lives, helping them feel safe, heard and steady.
Guide Dogs SA/NT Mobility and Assistance Dog Instructor Lisa Weil shared that “Every volunteer that has boarded Bonnie says she’s the best dog to have in the home. She loves playing with soft toys and getting cuddles in her downtime, which will be helpful when she’s working with children and other people.
“We have taught her how to ‘bow’ for the judge when she is in court. We’ve also taught her how to play a set of toy drums as a fun icebreaker for the kids.”
Across the country, Facility Dogs are becoming essential contributors within justice systems, offering emotional support to witnesses, victims and children who may otherwise struggle to participate fully. Guide Dogs SA/NT CEO Aaron Chia says Bonnie fits beautifully into this growing national program. “Bonnie is one of many Guide Dogs SA/NT-trained dogs working with people who have specialised needs, including in schools and at Adelaide Airport, and she will be an enormous support to many people who will feel comforted in her reassuring presence.
“Having been home-boarded by one of our team members at Guide Dogs SA/NT, Bonnie is very close to our hearts as she has spent some time in our offices. However, we know she will be well and truly appreciated and much loved in her new role.”
Chief Justice William Alstergren AO added, “We’ve been overwhelmed by the positive reception our Court Dog Program has received in Sydney, Parramatta, Newcastle, Melbourne, Brisbane and Hobart, so we’re beyond excited to see the impact Bonnie will have in South Australia.
“The National Court Dog Program is an exciting innovation, and Judges and court users alike are fortunate to have the benefit of the experience and expertise brought by Guide Dogs Australia.”
Bonnie now joins Zeb, the state’s long-serving Canine Court Companion supporting the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions. Together, they represent a new era in justice where empathy, emotional safety and animal-assisted support sit proudly alongside the rule of law.
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