The Local Buying Foundation provides funding to fuel regional economic growth and build thriving, sustainable businesses communities.
We invest into projects and programs that drive workforce development, foster innovation, and enhance the capability and capacity of business and industry.
The Local Buying Foundation is an integral part of BHP’s Local Buying Program. For every dollar spent through the Local Buying Program, BHP contributes to the Foundation, creating a local buying cycle that ensures a bright, sustainable future for local, regional businesses and communities.
Browse through our Newsroom for recent articles about active Local Buying Foundation investments, and our Events page for information about upcoming Local Buying Foundation sponsored events and workshops near you.
The FY26 Half Year Summary is now live, and we’re excited to share the progress, impact and momentum that has shaped the first six months of this financial year.
This interactive summary showcases how BHP’s Local Buying Program and the Local Buying Foundation continue to strengthen opportunities for small, local and Indigenous businesses, while delivering real value for BHP and regional communities across Australia. The summary highlights national results, regional achievements and stories that bring our collective impact to life.
Inside is the latest program activity, spending outcomes, supplier engagement highlights and updates on key initiatives supported through the Local Buying Foundation. The summary provides a clear snapshot of how local businesses are contributing to stronger, more resilient regional economies, and how the BHP Local Buying Program is enabling buyers to source smarter, more efficiently and more sustainably.
This year’s mid‑year update puts the spotlight on the people and partnerships behind the numbers, giving a meaningful picture of progress at the halfway mark.
Click the link to the right to read our interactive FYTD26 Half Year Summary.
Click the icons below to browse funded projects by category and learn more
The Local Buying Foundation is adding value to our local regional communities
Nationally, the Local Buying Foundation supports 12 local regions across New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia where BHP operates. Collectively, the below is a snapshot of the national data as of January 2026:
PROJECTS FUNDED
REGIONS SUPPORTED
APPROVED FUNDING $
Funding Round Dates
Queensland
2026:
Round 1: closes February 6
Round 2: closes July 17
Western Australia
2026:
Round 1: closes February 27
Round 2: closes August 28
New South Wales
2026:
Round 1: closes March 27
Round 2: closes September 18
South Australia
2026:
Round 1: closes May 8
Round 2: closes October 16
Please direct any out-of-round enquiries to info@localbuyingfoundation.com.au
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Acknowledgement of Country
The Local Buying Foundation acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land where we work and live. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging. We celebrate the stories, culture and traditions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders of all communities who also work and live on this land.