Decade

Year

Highlights

1920's/1930's

1920

Bedford's origins began with the Civilian Tuberculosis and Cancer Comfort Fund which was formed in 1920 to bring relief to sufferers of TB. The Fund was incorporated in April, 1935.

1940's

1943

Sir Henry Simpson Newland was elected President of the newly named South Australian Tuberculosis Association Inc. The first Christmas Seal Appeal was held to raise funds. Bedford has continued this annual fundraiser to the present day.

1945

Under the direction of Medical Director, Dr D'Arcy Cowan, the SA Tuberculosis Association registered the name 'Bedford Industries' on 12 April, 1945. It started with a woodworking shop at Glenelg for eight men recovering from TB.

1950's

1950

The Cowan Building was built on Goodwood Road at Panorama with 10,000 square feet of factory floor space and was officially opened on 18 April, 1950.
The sewing business was established with a gift of six sewing machines by G & R Wills of Adelaide.

1960's

1960

Kenneth Jenkins was appointed as Administrator of Bedford Industries. Under his administration, Bedford opened its doors to people with all types of disabilities. He steered the direction of Bedford for 21 years until his retirement in 1981.
A fleet of 28 buses was purchased to transport employees to and from work each day.

1962

Training commenced in book-binding, boot and shoe repair, office procedures, food preparation and service and packaging.

1968

The Handicapped Worker of the Year Award was first introduced - now known as the Achievers of the Year Awards. These awards have been sponsored by Holden each year since 1969.

1970's

1971

Engineering and printing departments were established.

1974

Balyana, the residential centre at Clapham, Balyana, was opened by the Prime Minister, Gough Whitlam in March, 1974.

1976

Gorge Farm at Normanville, Central Hotel at Victor Harbor and Kelly Farm at Normanville were purchased. The Katuni Adult Training Centre at Edwardstown was also established.

1980's

1981

Grounds maintenance and commercial cleaning commenced. Depots were later established at Lonsdale in 1987 and Golden Grove in 1991.

1984

The Bedford Industries Foundation was established to raise money for major projects.
The Bedford Bakery was established and the Pastry Kitchen was opened for retail sales on Goodwood Road.

1987

A Car Detailing operation was established.

1990's

1992

Solid timber furniture manufacture was discontinued and replaced by flat panel melamine furniture.

1995

Bedford celebrated 50 years of providing services to people with a disability.
Bedford acquired the Rolapak brand of log-roll garden edging which was introduced into the outdoor timber products section.

1999

Bedford acquired South Western Manufacturing - a well-known timber product manufacturer.

2000's

2000

Bedford acquired A J Manufacturing - a manufacturer of custom made plastic packaging.

2003

Bedford hosted the inaugural Bedford's Big BBQ fundraising event and celebrates the 60th Anniversary of the Seals.
Bedford sold Bedford Plastics division, previously AJ Manufacturing.
Premier Mike Rann opened Bedford Industries' new packaging facility at Pooraka that provides training and employment for up to 50 people with a disability in Adelaide's north.

2004

Bedford is named 2003 SA Training Awards 'Employer of the Year'

2005

Bedford celebrates it's 60th Year Anniversary.
The Foundation Board is reconstituted.
Bedford sells the Rolapak brand.

2006

Bedford merges with Diocesan Community Access to create BCA (Bedford Community Access), an on site day options centre for people with high support needs.
Bedford launches the new ‘Butterfly’ brand and removes the word ‘Industries’ from its name. The business divisions fall under the new banner of the Bedford Group.

2007

Bedford merges with Career Systems  and increases support levels to almost 1,600 South Australians with a disability or disadvantage.

Prime Minister John Howard opens the new Bedford Furniture factory at Panorama which employs 63 people with a disability.