Bedford lifeline

THE South Australian Government has stepped in to protect the jobs of supported workers and clients with a disability at Bedford’s Mount Gambier timber mill.

A $2.25 million grant is now in the offering to assist the new owner of Bedford, reputable, not-for-profit disability services provider The Disability Trust Limited, to purchase and keep the Mount Gambier facility open.

In doing so, 25 supported employees with a disability will keep their jobs, while approximately 50 clients with a disability will continue to have access to Bedford’s Learning and Experience Centre.

While Bedford is not funded or regulated by the State Government, had the government not stepped in to assist the urgent sale of Bedford Mount Gambier, administrators would have had no choice but to close the business, dismiss all employees and liquidate assets at auction.

Premier Peter Malinauskas was thrilled to be able to provide the certainty for local workers.

“Bedford is about much more than a job,” he said. “It’s about community. It’s about connection.

“The announcement means that 25 South Australians in Mount Gambier will continue to have the dignity of work.

“They will continue to go to work each morning, see their mates and enjoy the sense of purpose that comes with working at Bedford. At the same time, their loved ones know that they are safe and happy in gainful employment.”

South Australian Regional Development Minister Clare Scriven also welcomed the critical funding.

“The Bedford Timber Mill is an integral part of Mount Gambier, providing secure work for our community,” Minister Scriven said.

“The mill provides meaningful employment and a supportive workplace, which has consistently produced quality timber goods for nearly 50 years.

“I’m so glad to see the future of our local Bedford Mill secured, as it means so much to employees and their families. This is very welcome news for the Limestone Coast.”

Bedford operations at Mount Gambier have been subject to a separate sale process undertaken by the appointed administrators, as part of the Bedford administration process.

The Timber Mill operations carry out timber processing and contract cutting for businesses throughout South Australia and Victoria.

The Learning and Experiences Hub has a focus on skills-based learning to help clients with a disability gain increased independence and create job pathways.

Activities offered include cooking, gardening, woodworking and technology as well as creative arts such as painting, pottery, music and singing.

The Disability Trust Group CEO Karenza Louis-Smith said this had been a difficult time for many.

“We are proud to secure the Mount Gambier site and ensure continued employment for the people who rely on it for purpose, connection and income,” she said.

“Our focus remains firmly on the people of Bedford – the employees, the staff who show up every day, and the families who place their trust in us.”

The Mount Gambier funding news follows the State and Federal Government’s announcement late last year that the sale of Bedford was finalised, securing 1250 jobs for supported workers and clients with disabilities.

Together, the State and Federal Government have invested $40 million in support throughout the administration process, staving off liquidation and preventing the imminent collapse of Bedford, which has been in operation for 80 years.

This support helped secure the future of the much-loved South Australian charity, supporting the conditions that would ensure a successful sale.