Bedford’s timber mill in Mt Gambier has operated for nearly 50 years after being officially opened by Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser in March 1977.
Bedford Group is an integral part of the Mt Gambier community in South Australia's picturesque south-east. Their fully operational timber mill, a cornerstone of the region's industry, provides meaningful employment for more than 40 people and produces a wide range of products, from fencing and decking to kindling and poultry bedding. At the heart of this successful operation is Graham Harris, the mill's Operations Manager, who has dedicated 27 years of his life to the mill.
A native of Stawell, Victoria, Graham's journey to Mt Gambier began about 42 years ago when he moved there to play Aussie Rules Football. A brief stint playing in the SANFL for Woodville in Adelaide was followed by his return to Mt Gambier, where he has lived ever since. His career with Bedford also includes time spent at the organisation's manufacturing hubs in Panorama and Gepps Cross, broadening his experience and deep commitment to the company's mission.
Graham manages the manufacturing operations at the mill, which is co-located with Bedford's expanding Learning & Experiences Hub. But it's not just the timber he's focused on; for Graham, the real satisfaction comes from the people he works with.
"The best thing about working for Bedford is working alongside supported workers with disability," he says. "I've always gotten a lot of satisfaction from supporting and training my team. Their jobs are very important to them."
Graham understands that for many of his employees, Bedford offers one of the few employment opportunities available in the region for people with disability.
He finds immense joy in mentoring and educating his team, watching them grow and gain new skills and independence. "The work keeps me young," he says with a smile. "It's wonderful seeing people grow and gain new skills and independence. I enjoy coming to work each and every day with Bedford's great team of supported employees."
This purpose-driven work also provides peace of mind and respite for the families of the employees, knowing their loved ones have purpose and are contributing to their community.
While retirement is on the horizon, Graham isn't ready to slow down just yet. He's currently focused on integrating some fantastic new equipment recently installed at the mill, and training employees to use it. When he does eventually retire, he looks forward to spending more time with his children and grandchildren, and caravaning and camping around Australia with his wife.
Graham is also quick to acknowledge the vital support the mill receives from other local businesses, including Timberlink, OneFortyOne, Whiteheads, and AAM Timber, just to name a few. It's this network of community and mutual support that truly makes the Bedford Group a cornerstone of the Mt Gambier community.