Gordon the glossy black Labrador is a local resident and you will regularly find him calmly accompanying owner Michael Danielson around Cockburn, especially down at the beach.
That includes locations where signage states dogs are prohibited.
Gordon, who wears a clearly marked harness when he is out and about with Mr Danielson, is an assistance dog registered in WA and is exempt from dog prohibited areas under the Dog Act 1976.
Due to a lack of awareness from some members of the public, Mr Danielson experienced several incidents of negative treatment when walking with Gordon at local dog-prohibited beaches.
He approached the City about the incidents and the anxiety it was causing, and we recently updated some of our signage to make it clear that even in dog-prohibited areas, assistance dogs are welcome. We also added this information to the Dog Ownership and Management page on our
website.
Gordon has passed his WA Basic Obedience Assessment and the WA Public Access Test, and also holds a Queensland government Guide, Hearing & Assistance Dog certification, considered the gold standard by airlines.
City of Cockburn Disability Access and Inclusion Officer Rebecca Bergen said it was unfortunate people were not more aware of the special rules that applied to assistance dogs.
“This lack of awareness created some uncomfortable situations for Mr Danielson. But his vigilant reporting to us was the catalyst for the additions we’ve made to hopefully help him and others with an assistance dog feel more at home in our City,” Ms Bergen said.
“Legally the City did not need to update its signage or website but because people were unaware of rules around assistance dogs, we felt it could help, especially if he is again confronted with a similar situation. The signs are also a simple education tool for anyone who sees them.”
Mayor Logan Howlett said while saddened by Mr Danielson’s experiences, he was pleased simple communication additions would help all people in Cockburn who relied on the help of an assistance dog.
“Our Disability Access and Inclusion Plan aims to ensure all community members have equitable access to our services and facilities. Discovering that someone has been excluded is the right time to take action where possible,” Mayor Howlett said.
“We are pleased to help improve access and inclusion for this Cockburn family and help educate the community about the vastly different lives experienced by our neighbours near and far.”
Mr Danielson is a veteran of both the Australian Defence Force (Army) and the British Ministry of Defence (Army), completing active deployments in Iraq, Bosnia, Kosovo, and Northern Ireland.
As a result of his service, including a serious aviation accident that brought his military career to an end, Mr Danielson relies on Gordon to help him manage symptoms associated with Complex Combat PTSD, Major Depressive Disorder, Acute Anxiety and serious physical injuries.
Mr Danielson said Gordon, who is a graduate of the Defence Community Dogs (DCD) training program, had changed his life since they became a team in November 2025.
“Over the past six years or so I had become more withdrawn ultimately ending for the past two years of not leaving the house except for medical appointments,” Mr Danielson said.
“With Gordon by my side we are growing as a team. Momentum in confidence is growing and with the wonderful gift Gordon is, my family are at peace that I am safe.
“There are still hiccups along the way, but I am confident in myself with Gordon and the support network I have that we can tackle these issues head on.”
Mr Danielson said he could now walk the beach in peace, with the added comfort of knowing that if he was challenged, he could refer to the City’s updated signage or website.
“I eventually plucked up the courage to go and check the signage down at Coogee Beach with my wife and Gordon. I was absolutely ecstatic to see the new signage in place,” Mr Danielson said.
“Thanks to the City of Cockburn for implementing and driving change, you have no idea of the positive effect this has for people who rely on assistance dogs to help us navigate the world.”
Canine graduates of the DCD program are trained by minimum security inmates at Australian correctional centres with the assistance of professional dog trainers.
The dogs spend 24 hours a day with their handler, who looks after all their needs – they even share a cell together.
All dogs are trained to Assistance Dog level, with training specifically focused on assisting Veterans cope with their health condition.
For more information visit the DCD
website.