David Stevens has been working at Bedford Industries for almost two decades, but in the past few days, he has felt uncertain about his future.
Every Monday to Thursday, he packages boxes for companies such as Doritos and San Remo.
“I love it,” he said.
“It’s really good just to do hands-on jobs, and it’s really interesting just to do different multiple jobs for different companies.”
Asked what his favourite part of going to work was, Mr Stevens said: “It’s just chatting to all my colleagues and having a talk to them about a couple of things … talking about what’s our plans coming up for the weekend and that.”
Bedford’s Balyana houses 40 people in supported accommodation. (ABC News: Trent Murphy)
That was all thrown into jeopardy on Thursday, when Bedford revealed that it was on the verge of entering administration due to cash flow issues.
The state government stepped in on Sunday with a $15 million loan to “stave off” administration, at least temporarily, so the disability employment organisation could get back on its feet.
Mr Stevens said he was “shocked [and] disappointed” when he heard that Bedford was in trouble.
“It was really nerve-racking because you thought you were going to lose your job on the spot,”
he said.
“We were all heartbroken and shocked.”
His father Wayne Stevens said the work gave his son daily structure.
“It has been something for him to go to on a daily basis, and to me, going to a job in a normal sense is more than just money, it’s also giving you a purpose,” Wayne Stevens said.
David Stevens (left) and his father Wayne were worried about Bedford’s future. (ABC News)
Wayne Stevens said he would be concerned for his son and other employees if Bedford was to close.
“David was really concerned and when we found out … [Sunday] morning, David felt so relieved, like a weight had fallen off him that he knows that his job is more stable than what it was a couple days ago,” he said.
“Knowing that David can still go tomorrow [Monday], still enjoy the friendship of his friends, work there for four days a week — that has taken a lot off my mind.”
Loan is conditional, government says
It is understood Bedford employs more than 800 staff and supports 1,400 people living with a disability at more than 22 sites across South Australia.
Bedford’s chief executive officer, Myron Mann, has resigned but its chair Janet Miller, who offered to step down, remained in her role.
In exchange for the $15 million rescue package, the state government will take ownership of Bedford’s supported accommodation site Balyana, in Clapham.
Bedford’s financial status leaves families ‘shocked’
SA Premier Peter Malinauskas said Bedford’s financial position was so “dire” that without a loan, the organisation would inevitably lead to liquidation “by the end of this week if not sooner”.
“Does anyone seriously think we should sit on our hands and let this hit the fans, and 1,400-1,500 people have their worlds turned upside who were really vulnerable? I just wasn’t going to let that happen,” he said.
“Jurisdiction responsibilities become a second order of consideration than just doing the right thing.”
He told ABC Radio Adelaide advisory firm McGrathNicol had been appointed to work with Bedford on a restructure and “stem the losses” in excess of $1 million per month.
“If that can happen, maybe there is future for Bedford to stand on its own two feet,” he said.
Premier Peter Malinauskas and Bedford chair Janet Miller announced the loan on Sunday (ABC News: Trent Murphy)
Mr Malinauskas said the loan helped saved the Balyana facility, which houses 40 residents but was “essentially at end of life or fast approaching them”.
“By us purchasing it, we achieved two things; one we protected the taxpayers’ interests as part of this rescue package because it now [has] an asset,” he said.
“The second thing is it allows for more thoughtful and compassionate planning around those supported accommodation residents on that facility and a plan for a transition into the future rather than just a overnight liquidation set of circumstances.”
Treasurer Stephen Mullighan said on Sunday the loan and the transfer of ownership of the Balyana site were “a good way to structure this support, rather than just providing a cash grant with no recourse for the taxpayers in the future”.
He added that there would be conditions imposed on how the loan was spent.
“It won’t be a single deposit tomorrow of $15 million and then Bedford has free and unfettered access to it,” he said.
Martin Mcdermott was glad he can continue to work at Bedford. (ABC News)
For now, staff working at Bedford’s Panorama location are happy to continue going to work.
Lauren Cunningham was overjoyed at the news of staying.
“It’s such amazing news I want to thank Peter so much for stepping in to save us from this, fingers crossed Canberra does the same for us too,” she said.
“It means the world to me this place, it helps a lot of people with disability here.
“I love seeing my friends here, and I love helping people out, especially making food.”
Martin McDermott said he was “still getting over the shock of it all”.
“I feel good about coming back to work,”
he said.
Bedford veteran of 25 years, Kirsty Campbell, was happy to be at work. (ABC Eyre Peninsula: Emma Pedler)
Sharon Campbell’s daughter Kirsty, who has been with Bedford at Port Lincoln for 25 years, was worried she would have to look for another job.
The mother said Kirsty was “a very routine person” and was heartened to learn her life would continue as normal on Monday.
“Kirsty is off to work today with her friends, doing what she loves and we don’t have to worry as much about the future, in the near distance any way, we can breathe a sigh of relief,” Ms Campbell said.
“Kirsty working there means she’s feeling valued and important within the community and it gives her a feeling of self-worth and a quality of life that she really enjoys.”