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About Us
We are a solution-focused provider of disability supports for people living with disabilities within our operating regions.
Barossa Enterprises was established by families needing daily support and work activities for their sons and daughters living with disabilities. Engaging in safe, secure, and meaningful pursuits, in an organised, predictable and supportive environment continues to be our driving focus.
Half a century later, we are a key partner to South Australia’s wine industry, providing work opportunities for supported employees. Our Home and Community Division, in-turn, supports the families that underpin the communities that we operate in.
We are located in the Barossa and Clare Valleys, McLaren Vale and the Riverland region. Through the National Disability Insurance Scheme, we support people along their journey to engaged, secure and fulfilling lives and we continue to be valued and accessible in the communities we operate through sustainable and strategic growth.
Our History
Barossa Enterprises began its journey in 1977, born from the passion and determination of local families united by a shared vision—to create quality support services and opportunities for individuals living with disability. Over three years, this dedicated group of parents and community members worked tirelessly, hosting meetings and fundraisers to bring their vision to life. In 1978, their efforts culminated in the establishment of the Barossa Valley Rural Activity Centre, located on newly purchased land on Menge Road in Tanunda. Repurposed classrooms and facilities from Nuriootpa Primary School formed the Centre’s foundation. Officially opened on October 20, 1979, by local Mayor Sir Condor Laucke, the Centre launched with seven supported trainees. The opening celebrations were capped off with a bustling community fair. By 1980, the organisation was renamed "Barossa Enterprises." Over the next few years, significant progress was made in vocational training, equipment upgrades, and site improvements. However, tragedy struck on April 18, 1982, when a devastating fire destroyed the entire building and its contents. Despite the loss, the determination of the Committee and community never wavered. Temporary accommodations were quickly established, ensuring that work and training could continue seamlessly. By 1984, the Centre had outgrown its initial facilities, prompting a move to a larger site on Basedow Road, which offered enhanced working conditions and training opportunities. Barossa Enterprises continued to expand, opening a second production facility in the Clare Valley in 1997 and another in McLaren Vale in 2019. These sites provide meaningful employment and local support for people with disabilities and their families. As Barossa Enterprises grew, the need for more space became evident. In 2009, the organisation moved into a purpose-built office and workshop complex on Samuel Road, Nuriootpa. Today, this facility is home to over 100 staff, support workers, and supported employees. Guided by an unwavering belief in the abilities of all individuals and the right of every person to live a fulfilling life, Barossa Enterprises has cemented itself as a vital part of the community. Now the largest employer of people with disabilities in regional South Australia, Barossa Enterprises continues to champion inclusion, opportunity, and empowerment, making a lasting impact on the lives of those it supports.
Our Board
Barossa Enterprises are governed by a Board consisting of eight members who bring extensive knowledge and experience from the wine industry and the community.
Andrew Murphy
President
Andrew is the former Production Director at the Yalumba Wine Company, a premium, family owned, Barossa winery. Andrew had been making wine for 35 years and his wealth of experience provides valuable strategic insight into the industry. Andrew has personal experience navigating support on behalf of his son and we are thankful for his support as a Director of Barossa Enterprises since 2010.
Neil White
Vice President
Neil is the Education Director for the Lower and Mid North SA Schools and commenced on the Board in 2014. Neil brings for decades of experience as an educator and community leader. Whilst Neil was Principal at Nuriootpa High School, a long-term collaborative relationship has been formed with Barossa Enterprises through the school’s Inclusive Education Center (IEC) where many of Barossa Enterprises’ supported employees had their first introduction to work through work experience with Barossa Enterprises. Neil’s has a family member living independently with NDIS supports and, along with expertise, brings valuable life experience to the organisation.
Lynn Chopping
Secretary
Lynn has been an active member of Barossa Enterprises with lived experience of support needs of people with disability. Ben, Lynn’s youngest son, was employed at Barossa Enterprises for 12 years until his passing in 2016. Lynn worked closely with Barossa Enterprises to develop supports for Ben in Supported Employment and has been closely involved in the social activities offered through Barossa Enterprises. Lynn is an active supporter of Barossa Enterprises, regularly volunteering her time at our production facility and on the Board. She has been a dedicated Board Member since 2011 and is honoured to contribute towards the advancement of Barossa Enterprises.
Joel Wilson
Treasurer
Joel is the Group Accounting Manager at the Yalumba Wine Company, Australia’s oldest family owned winery. He is a qualified Chartered Accountant with over 10 years of commercial experience working locally within the Wine Industry. Joel has been an active member of the Barossa community, most recently working with the Angaston Community and Business Alliance Group as the Treasurer. Joel is looking forward to using his experience to support Barossa Enterprises and the wider community.
Ray Todd
Director
Ray commenced Barossa Bottling in the 1980s supporting a large number of wineries over the 30 years of operation. Ray was a keen supporter of Barossa Enterprises, regularly providing business that kept supported employees in work. Ray sold his business but continues to have a hand, providing valuable consultation. Barossa Enterprises and Barossa Bottling enjoyed a long and successful working relationship, and we look forward to further developing our products under Ray’s mentorship. Ray has generously provided his time and advice to our operations in the past and we are excited to have this officially established through Ray’s Directorship.
John Hughes
Director
John is the owner of celebrated wine brand, Riesling Freak. He has a strong connection to our operating regions and understands the importance and meaning of ‘community’. John currently serves on a number of not-for-profit committees and is the founder of the Kicking Goals Scholarship program, with Foundation Barossa, providing mentorship and educational funding for young people living with disability. John was awarded the 2017, Young Gun of Wine; 2021 Baron of the Barossa Winemaker & a finalist of the 2021 ASVO Winemaker of the Year Awards. Living with cerebral palsy gives John a personal perspective of how good support can make a difference. John has set aside perceptions instead focussing on his goals and passion for food & wine and is now widely recognised for his commitment to Riesling and his contribution to winemaking. John provides immense value to our developing services.
Annabelle Travaglione
Director
Annabelle is the CEO of Foundation Barossa, a community foundation that encourages community philanthropy to build a resilient, inclusive community where everyone belongs. Foundation Barossa collaborates with organisations and individuals to support community-based projects across the Barossa that address key needs, strengthen local capacity, and create solutions to both opportunities and challenges. The goal is to help build a strong, vibrant community where everyone can participate and contribute and welcomes the opportunity to join the Board of Barossa Enterprises as she sees is a clear alignment in their core goals and values. Annabelle has over 25 years of experience in financial services Exec. management living and working in the UK, Hong Kong, Singapore, New York, and Australia. In 2014, she moved into the not-for-profit sector, working for Bear Cottage Children’s Hospice, managing 140 volunteers supporting key operations at the hospice.