The future of Bedford, the largest disability service provider in South Australia, is in jeopardy as it prepares to enter voluntary administration due to unsustainable financial difficulties. For 80 years, Bedford has been a critical provider of employment and support for individuals with disabilities, employing hundreds of people. Despite ongoing negotiations with both state and federal governments, the organisation announced that it would likely enter administration on Sunday.
The impending move has raised significant concerns for the 1,400 individuals with disabilities who rely on Bedford’s services. Staff members describe Bedford as a vital community hub and are holding out hope for a resolution that would allow it to continue operations. Among those affected is Don Kearvell, whose daughter, Alice, has been a dedicated employee at Bedford since completing high school. Kearvell expressed his fears about the impact of the closure, noting the importance of work for Alice’s self-esteem and quality of life, as job opportunities for individuals like her are limited.
In a statement, the chief executive of Bedford highlighted the complicated challenges the organisation faces in achieving financial sustainability, which have proven insurmountable. Furthermore, a letter disclosed to the media indicated that Bedford requires significant funding from the Commonwealth in order to remain operational, funding that has not been secured. Requests for comments from the federal government regarding future financial assistance have not yielded any responses.
As the situation unfolds, South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas is scheduled to meet with Bedford’s leadership for further discussions. The potential consequences of Bedford’s administration could be profound, impacting not only the lives of the employees but also the broader community reliant on its services.