Bedford’s flagship fundraiser took guests on a whimsical journey of possibility and delight, with the theme Beyond Imagination and spectacular performances from Restless Dance Theatre and Le Ariel.

The gala event was held last week at the Adelaide Convention Centre, with almost 600 guests attending.

Hosted by internationally renowned performer Hans, the evening paid homage to Bedford’s 79-year history as Australia’s second largest employer of people with disability and embodied its commitment to transforming the landscape of disability employment and services in Australia.

Bedford CEO Myron Mann said major fundraising opportunities are critically important to the organisation.

“Bedford is not government funded, which means it is through fundraisers such as the gala that we are able to deliver on our purpose of more choice for over 1400 clients across 19 sites in South Australia,” Mann said.

“It’s a very exciting time for Bedford as we look to the future and implement a transformative masterplan, pioneering change to the landscape for disability employment and opportunities over the next 5 years.”

Adelaide’s own international superstar Hans had the big crowd up and dancing. Planning for next year’s 80th birthday event is already underway.

Bedford’s progressive strategy is driven by the organisation’s purpose to support people with disability to live the life they choose.

The strategy introduces a social enterprise operational model, which provides additional choice and pathways for people with disability and those experiencing barriers to work, alongside reimagined possibilities for supported employment.

This is complemented with opportunities for skill building, learning and new experiences, delivered through valued business partnerships, strategic acquisitions and fit-for-purpose facilities.

“We are pushing ourselves to go Beyond Imagination with multiple employment models, from fully supported to open employment and a broad range of learning and life skill building programs, as well as our job coaching and advisory service,” Mann said.

For Bedford’s clients such as Lynton, this means the opportunity to work in open employment at social enterprise GreenInc and receive full award wages.

Lynton is now employed with landscape construction business GreenInc, a Bedford-backed social enterprise.

“My favourite thing about working at GreenInc is learning new skills and meeting new people,” Lynton said.

“Bedford gave me the opportunity and skills I needed to move into a role with GreenInc. The team have guided me and I feel very supported.”

Mann said not everyone wants to move to open employment, consequently supported employment will always be an “important part of Bedford”.

“Everyone deserves the right to choose the path that they want to take in life,” he said.

“We appreciate the generosity of the South Australian community in supporting our Gala event, so we can continue to support people with disability to live the life they choose.”

This year’s gala also saw the induction of 6 new Bedford Life Members, Raymond Grigg, Stephen Hains AM, Greg Connor, Peter Roodhouse, Wayne McKeon and Kenneth Jenkins.

Planning is already underway for next year’s gala in May 2025 to celebrate Bedford’s 80th birthday.