One Year of Beacon: Celebrating Purpose, People and Planet

2025 marks one year since Beacon Laundry was officially launched under Bedford’s ownership transforming a commercial laundry into a thriving social enterprise.

Previously known as Minda Laundry, the site was acquired by Bedford Group in 2024 and rebranded as Beacon Laundry—a purpose-driven social enterprise now employing more than 100+ people. Today, Beacon processes around 85 tonnes of laundry every week, all while creating meaningful employment opportunities for people with disability.

Beacon Laundry was first established in Bangalow, New South Wales, with a bold vision to blend commercial excellence with meaningful social impact. In 2024, a second site opened in Lonsdale, South Australia, quickly becoming one of the state’s largest commercial laundries.

This expansion has been made possible through a partnership with White Box Enterprises, grounded in shared learning and a joint commitment to building jobs-focused social enterprises that put people, purpose and planet at the core of everything we do.

In just 12 months, Beacon Laundry has created 31 jobs for individuals facing barriers to employment, an achievement that reflects our purpose: “We don’t employ people to do laundry. We do laundry to employ people.”

From Laundry Workers to Laundry Drivers, every role at Beacon plays a part in shaping a more inclusive workforce. The team has delivered 1,390 hours of dedicated training, supporting individuals on their journey toward open employment, with several team members now preparing to begin work trials.

At Beacon, all the team members work together to create a safe, inclusive and open workplace where everyone feels supported and valued. Whether it is a simple conversation between team members or guidance offered during training, every interaction helps nurture a culture that empowers individuals and builds a strong sense of belonging.

Beyond its social impact, Beacon Laundry continues to deliver exceptional commercial outcomes through its commitment to high-quality laundry and linen services. Over the past year, the team has processed an impressive 4,325 tonnes of laundry and delivered nearly 10 million units of linen to customers across sectors including aged care, healthcare, and hospitality. This dedication to quality and service has also driven steady growth, with 20 new clients welcomed in the last year, further expanding Beacon’s reach and impact.

This celebration goes beyond marking a milestone. It is a powerful thank you to the incredible Beacon Laundry team, our loyal customers and the wider community. Every task completed, every delivery made, and every moment of connection has helped create real, meaningful change for people with barriers to work, including disability. From the comfort of a clean sheet easing a cancer patient’s day, to fresh linen supporting aged care residents, to a supportive workplace opening doors to new opportunities, Beacon is proud to be at the heart of this positive change, committed to making a difference one load at a time.

As Beacon Laundry marks its first anniversary, Bedford looks forward to the future with confidence and continued dedication to people, purpose, and positive change. Happy 1st Birthday to Beacon Laundry—here’s to many more years of lasting impact.