Barossa Enterprises will undergo significant operational changes in 2026 as the organisation positions itself for commercial viability, an increased focus on mainstream employment opportunities for people with disability and addressing challenges facing the wine sector.

For nearly 50 years, Barossa Enterprises has been a place of support, connection and meaningful work for people living with disability across regional South Australia.

It remains the region’s largest employer of people with disability, best known for its quality packaging services that support the wine industry, including custom branded boxes and pallets, over-stickering and re-labelling.

To remain competitive, Barossa Enterprises is investing in new technology and service models that better fit modern, commercial operations.

This includes the introduction of an automated pallet machine, funded through the State Government’s Thriving Communities Program, and other planned assistive processes that will enhance output consistency, meet industry expectations and support future growth.

Chief Operating Officer Garry Velt emphasised that the organisation’s priority was to create real career pathways that strengthen participants’ readiness for long-term, meaningful work, both within Barossa Enterprises and the wider workforce.

“We want people to be able to engage in a “typical” job, then build supports around them,” Mr Velt said.

“Our new direction will provide supported employees with an opportunity to work in a commercial environment and, with targeted supports, produce work at a consistent, high-quality rate while also improving wages. Working in a commercial proving-ground will also help locate job opportunities for people in the open labour market if that is an option for them.”

“Our goal is to provide an experience that enhances every person’s readiness for local, mainstream employment opportunities.”

A key component of this transition is the re-vamped SKILLS PLUS program, designed to support NDIS-eligible people living with disabilities to build the skills, confidence and experience they need to move into jobs of their choosing in the wider community.

Held over four rounds for up to 40 people, the 12-week program will intensively assess a person’s daily and on-the-job support needs and deliver practical experience in Safe Work Practices, Timber Manufacturing, Wine Production Services and Logistics.

Mr Velt said the program would continue to reflect Barossa Enterprises strengths-based approach, recognising everyone’s abilities, supports and job preferences and being proactive and adaptable was essential for long-term success.

“The landscape is changing, and our ability to innovate is critical for futureproofing,” he said. “We will continue working closely with participants, families and businesses to explore new job focused pathways and if people aren’t ready for mainstream work, we will continue building their capacity and skills through our supported employment.”

Barossa Enterprises emphasises the renewed focus is designed to create a more secure, competitive and future-ready organisation, one that will continue supporting people with disability for generations to come.

“These changes are about safeguarding everyone’s future,” Mr Velt said. “By adapting now, we ensure Barossa Enterprises remains a leader in disability home, community and employment supports for many years ahead.”

To register your interest for the SKILLS PLUS program, please contact Barossa Enterprises on 08 85624855 or email admin@barossaent.com.au.