2024 Resource Industry Network Awards – Celebrating Community Impact

12 Aug, 2024

The Local Buying Foundation were honoured to sponsor the prestigious Connecting in the Community Award recently at the 2024 Resource Industry Network Awards in Mackay.

This award, presented to an organisation that has excelled in engaging with the community and external stakeholders, is a direct reflection of our commitment to driving local success by fostering strong, empowered communities. We are thrilled to announce that the Muscle Garden Health & Fitness Centre took home this year’s award, exemplifying the power of community-driven business. Their dedication to supporting local charities and organising events that foster social well-being made them a standout in this category. In their acceptance speech, Muscle Garden expressed heartfelt gratitude to their team, local businesses, and community members who have rallied around their charitable initiatives. As they said, “Together we’re all making a positive impact in our community!” This sentiment captures the essence of what the Local Buying Foundation seeks to support—businesses working hand-in-hand with their communities for the greater good.

We also want to congratulate the other finalists, BMA Rail and QCCS Pty Ltd, for their outstanding contributions. All three finalists showcased what it means to engage deeply with the community, reinforcing the importance of collaboration in building a strong, resilient local economy.

The RIN Awards is more than just a night of recognition—it’s a celebration of innovation, inclusion, and the entrepreneurial spirit that drives regional businesses. As sponsors, we’re incredibly proud of the Local Buying Program Suppliers who were finalists in other categories:

• iCutter Industries for the Manufacturing Excellence Award.
• Evocativ Mental Fitness for the Standing Out from the Crowd Award.
• ManUp for Prostate Cancer Australia for the Champion Culture Award.
• Twin Hills Engineering and Drilling for the Expansion into New Markets Award.

Together, we are building a legacy of local success. Congratulations to all the finalists and winners, and thank you for showing the region what it means to thrive and be ready for the future.

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2024 Safety Conference – Empowering Safer Communities

5 June, 2024

In May, the Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre buzzed with energy as industry professionals gathered for the 2024 Safety Conference, a premier event focused on advancing safety leadership across Central Queensland’s mining and METS supply chain. As a proud sponsor, the Local Buying Foundation is thrilled to have supported an event dedicated to promoting a culture of safety. Investing in this event aligns with our mission to create future-ready workforces by equipping teams with the knowledge and skills they need to make informed safety decisions. Seeing so many organisations share innovative ideas on how to improve safety practices was inspiring, and we’re proud to be a part of that journey.

With thought-provoking discussions led by top safety experts and hands-on workshops, attendees gained valuable insights on how to shape a safer future for their organisations. From the practical strategies presented by keynote speakers like Mick Crowe (COO at Bravus Mining & Resources) to the engaging workshops on risk management and emergency response, the conference sparked important conversations around both physical and psychological safety.

One of the most notable takeaways was the emphasis on “the why” behind safety. Participants explored the Leadership Shadow and the impact of leading by example in fostering a proactive safety culture. Dave Holland’s session was a highlight, as he powerfully connected the day’s themes, reinforcing that safety is not just a box to tick but a holistic approach that includes mental health, team well-being, and open communication.

Reflecting on the success of the 2024 Safety Conference, it’s clear that safety is an ongoing conversation, one that requires continuous learning, engagement, and collaboration. The networking opportunities provided throughout the event encouraged safety professionals to exchange ideas and build relationships, setting the stage for even greater safety leadership in the future.

 

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Celebrating International Women’s Day 2024 – Empowering Future Leaders

10 March, 2024

The Local Buying Foundation (LBF) is proud to have sponsored this year’s International Women’s Day events across our regions, highlighting our commitment to nurturing thriving, empowered communities and building a future-ready workforce. These values are central to everything we do, and our involvement in these events showcases how we put them into action.

One of the highlights of our sponsorship was enabling students from 11 schools across Mackay and Moranbah to attend the Resource Industry Network International Women’s Day lunch in Mackay. This investment in future leaders is more than just symbolic; it’s about equipping young minds with the tools and opportunities they need to shape a better future. We believe in empowering the next generation of trailblazers and change-makers, and giving them a seat at the table is one of the best ways to spark inspiration and create meaningful impact.

By making it possible for these students to attend the IWD lunch, we are opening doors for them to engage with leaders, learn from real-world experiences, and envision a future where their voices and contributions are recognized and valued. This event is not just about celebration—it’s about creating pathways for leadership, fostering inclusion, and championing the creativity, innovation, and potential of our youth.

Over 575 people attended this year’s lunch, making it one of regional Queensland’s largest IWD celebrations. Attendees enjoyed not only the food and connections but also the opportunity to be educated and inspired by the event’s incredible hosts and speakers. We extend our sincere thanks to Host Kylie Porter, Keynote Speaker Dr. Catherine Ball, and panellists like Dr. Elissa Hatherly, Kathy Searle, and Larnie Mackay, who provided a wealth of knowledge and insights on empowering women and embracing the discomfort that comes with growth and success.

LBF’s sponsorship of student tickets is rooted in our mission to drive long-term change for women in the workforce, both regionally and globally. By supporting these young leaders, we are actively investing in a future where inclusivity is not just a goal but a reality.

When reflecting on the theme of this year’s IWD, #InspireInclusion, C-Res CEO Tracey Cuttriss-Smith spoke passionately about what inclusion means to her: “Inclusion to me is actively seeking to uncover everyone’s potential and remove barriers that are preventing that potential being reached. Over the years, I have had the opportunity to work with the most amazing people who have strengthened my values and sense of belonging. I am thankful to now be in a position where I can influence the future generation to embrace and promote inclusivity in their lives and workplaces.”

Through events like this, the Local Buying Foundation continues to champion thriving communities and a future-ready workforce. By investing in young leaders and fostering a sense of belonging and inclusion, we’re building a stronger, more inclusive future for all.

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Resources Industry Network 2024–2025 Calendar of Events

30 September, 2023

The Local Buying Foundation (LBF) is proud to approve sponsorship the Resources Industry Network (RIN) 2024–2025 calendar of events – supporting the International Women’s Day luncheon (IWD) (Student Ticket Sponsorship), Safety Conference, Business Awards Evening, and the Professional Development Conference for both 2024 and 2025 under the Sponsorship of Business Awards, Conferences and Events category. By supporting these key business development events the LBF is committed to supporting economic opportunities in regional Queensland’s business communities.

Links to these events once tickets are released, can be found on our Events page.

The LBF’s sponsorship of student tickets for RIN’s IWD Business Lunch is a direct investment in the next generation of leaders. This flagship event celebrates women’s contributions to the Mining Equipment, Technology, and Services (METS) and manufacturing sectors. By enabling Year 12 students from the Mackay Isaac Whitsunday region to attend, the LBF is actively helping to inspire young women to pursue careers in traditionally male-dominated industries. The event, with its stellar lineup of accomplished professionals, provides students with invaluable networking opportunities and first-hand insights into the realities of working in the resources sector. This initiative underscores the LBF’s focus on fostering a sense of belonging and aspiration within regional communities, equipping the future workforce with the knowledge and connections necessary to thrive.

Safety leadership is a critical component of any successful organization, particularly in the high-risk METS and manufacturing sectors. By sponsoring the RIN Safety Conference, the LBF is helping to provide a platform where industry leaders and managers can stay informed about the latest safety innovations, legal requirements, and best practices. This sponsorship reflects the LBF’s commitment to a future-ready workforce by ensuring that safety remains a top priority in the region’s industries. Attendees will gain practical tools and knowledge that will help improve workplace safety programs, enabling businesses in the Mackay Isaac Whitsunday region to adopt the latest safety trends and embed a culture of continuous improvement and leadership in workplace safety.

The RIN Awards have become a prestigious annual event, celebrating business excellence across the mining services, engineering, and manufacturing sectors. As a sponsor of the Connecting in Community award category, the LBF demonstrates its dedication to recognizing businesses that contribute to the economic and social fabric of the region. By honouring those who connect meaningfully with their communities, the LBF encourages the broader sector to embrace community-building initiatives that empower individuals and strengthen regional ties.

The LBF’s investment in RIN’s Professional Development Conference is an investment in the future workforce of the region. This conference provides an invaluable opportunity for emerging leaders and managers to develop essential leadership skills and career-enhancing insights. The conference supports professionals looking to elevate their leadership capabilities, ultimately contributing to the growth and success of their businesses and the wider community.

Through this partnership, the LBF is playing an active role in equipping the region’s workforce with the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to thrive in an ever-changing industrial landscape. The Foundation’s support fosters an environment where leadership development is prioritized, ensuring that the region remains competitive and prepared for the future.

The Local Buying Foundation’s sponsorship of these significant RIN events is more than just financial support—it is a commitment to the long-term success and resilience of the Mackay Isaac Whitsunday region. By focusing on empowering communities and building a future-ready workforce, the LBF is ensuring that regional businesses and individuals can not only thrive but lead with confidence and innovation. This strategic investment in events like the IWD Business Lunch, Safety Conference, RIN Awards, and Professional Development Conference demonstrates the Foundation’s dedication to creating lasting value and positive social impact across the region.