Celebrating 80 Years of Bedford: A Legacy of Inclusion, Choice and Opportunity

Since 1945, Bedford has been a beacon of opportunity for people with disability, providing training, employment, and support. As we mark our 80th anniversary, we reflect on our journey from humble beginnings to becoming a cornerstone in the lives of thousands of people across South Australia and beyond.

Our Story Begins in 1945

On 12 April 1945, Bedford was founded in a small woodworking shed at the back of a property in Glenelg, South Australia. The original team consisted of just eight men recovering from tuberculosis (TB), one instructor, and two apprentices. These pioneers embarked on a path of rehabilitation, which, over time, evolved into something far greater.

In the 1960s Reverend K.T. Jenkins played a pivotal role in evolving Bedford, guiding the organisation’s transition from a TB rehabilitation centre to a place where people with disability (including physical, mental, medical, and social) could find meaningful work and training.

Through his leadership and vision, Bedford grew and thrived, eventually becoming the second largest employer of people with disability in Australia, supporting over 2,000 people with disability at 22 sites across Adelaide and regional South Australia.

From a small, local workshop to a nationally recognised leader in employment and training for people of all abilities across a broad and diverse portfolio of businesses, Bedford has always been committed to inclusivity. More recently, Bedford has expanded to create its own open employment market through its Bedford-backed social enterprise for people of all abilities.

Today, Bedford offers a wide range of services, including training, supported and open employment, independent living skills, social engagement, and more, ensuring everyone has the supports and choice to learn, connect and grow in their everyday life.

Bedford History Highlights

Pioneering Equal Opportunities: In 1952, Bedford became one of the first organizations to open its doors to women rehabilitating from tuberculosis, expanding its products and services

The Cowan Building: Bedford’s first purpose-built facility, the Cowan Building, was opened in 1950 and remains in use today. Named after Bedford's founder, Sir Darcy Rivers Warren Cowan, it stands as a testament to our enduring legacy.
Award-Winning Designs: In 1983, Bedford won the prestigious Industrial Design of Australia Award for its "Design Plus" range, including a beautifully crafted dining room setting that featured a round table, chairs, and a small coffee table.
Overcoming Adversity: In January 1952, Bedford's timber stores were destroyed by fire, losing a month’s production.
Reaching New Heights: Bedford manufactured extension ladders in the 1960s for the Hydro Electricity Trust of Tasmania—at the time, the longest ladders in Australia!
A Star-Studded Gala: In 1983, Bedford hosted Sir Donald and Lady Bradman at our Gala Dinner. A cricket bat signed by Australia’s 1930 touring cricket team raised $4,000 for Bedford during the event.
The Christmas Seal Appeal: Our longest-running fundraiser, the Christmas Seal Appeal, invited people to seal their Christmas cards with specially designed stickers and donate to Bedford. This campaign ran for many years and raised both awareness and funds.
A Royal Visit: In 1980, Her Royal Highness Princess Alexandra and her husband, Angus Ogilvy, visited Bedford, bringing attention and prestige to our mission.
Bedford Bingo: Starting in 1983, Bedford Bingo became a beloved community event and fundraiser. For 19 years, it brought people together while raising much-needed funds for Bedford’s programs.
Miss Bedford Quest: In 1975, Bedford launched its first Miss Bedford Industries Quest, where contestants raised money to support Bedford’s initiatives. The winner even went on to represent us in the Miss Telethon Quest.
A Global Impact: In 1990, Bedford made 7,000 chairs for the Commonwealth Games in New Zealand, showcasing our capability to produce high-quality products on a large-scale.
Balyana: In 1974, Balyana, Bedford’s supported independent living site, opened in Clapham. The complex provided housing for people with disabilities and included amenities like an indoor heated swimming pool, which was a community hub until its closure in 2013.
Gorge Farm: In the 1980s, Bedford operated a farm in Normanville called Gorge Farm, where we provided horticultural and agricultural training. We grew fresh produce and preserved it for sale. Farm workers lived at the Central Hotel in Victor Harbor, which Bedford also owned. While farming wasn’t one of our biggest successes, we learned valuable lessons and eventually sold both the farm and the hotel.

Egg Farming: In 2008 Bedford merged with Compass Egg Farm. At the time, Bedford’s farm had 4,000 happy hens laying around 2,800 eggs a day, which were distributed throughout Port Lincoln. Bedford Farm providing employment opportunities for people with disabilities in egg production and chicken husbandry. Bedford Farm stopped production in 2012.
Famous Faces & VIP Visitors: Bedford has been visited by a star-studded roster of prime ministers, premiers, celebrities, sporting heroes, and even royalty. Visitors have included Princess Alexandra, the Duke of Edinburgh, Sir Mark Oliphant, Gough Whitlam, Bob Hawke, John Bannon, John Howard, Julia Gillard, Anne Wills, Hans, Andrew “Cosi” Costello, Don Bradman, Dame Roma Mitchell, Reilly O’Brien, and many more. Each has been impressed by the incredible work Bedford does.
Mergers & Expansions: Over the years, Bedford’s growth has been fuelled by mergers and acquisitions, allowing us to expand services and offer even more employment and pathway opportunities across South Australia. Notable mergers have included companies like Gamma Precision Engineering, A J Manufacturing, CareerSystems, Living Skills Incorporated, Compass Contracting Services, Millicent Work Option Centre, Heritage Industries, Phoenix Society Incorporated, Adelaide Hills Food, Minda Laundry, and Minda SAGE.
Looking forward: In 2023, Bedford changed its legal structure to become a group of companies. As part of its 5-year strategy, this change allows Bedford to offer more opportunities, choice and support to people with disability and ensures it long term sustainability.

Click here to see Bedford's Full historical timeline.

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Thank You for Being Part of Our Journey

We couldn't have come this far without the support of our incredible staff, clients, partners, donors and the wider community.

As we celebrate 80 years, we are proud of Bedford’s rich history and impact, enduring purpose and bold vision for the future.

80 marks our commitment to turning ambition into action, obstacles into opportunities and barriers into breakthroughs - providing people of all abilities with choice and opportunities to lead fulfilling, independent lives.

Looking forward into the next 80 years, we remain dedicated to creating a more inclusive world where people of all abilities can live the life they choose.