News and Publications
Celebrating Local Excellence
The Local Buying Foundation has confirmed its support for the upcoming 2025 Port Augusta Outstanding Business Awards, delivered by Business Port Augusta, and scheduled for mid October.
Supporting Sustainable Success in Port Augusta
Business Port Augusta is launching a new initiative to support the wellbeing and capability of local business owners across four events between June and September.
Upper Spencer Gulf Workforce Summit to Strengthen Regional Workforce Planning
Held on 28 July 2025, the summit precedes the Tactic Conference and Trade Expo and is expected to attract over 130 attendees.
Boosting Flood Tourism in Outback SA
A strategic new RDA Far North initiative aimed at proactively unlocking the tourism potential of South Australia’s iconic Kati-Thanda Lake Eyre as it slowly floods the outback once again.
Preparing the Pilbara for the Net-Zero Economy
The Local Buying Foundation is pleased to announce funding for a new initiative led by ICN: Preparing Pilbara Businesses for the Net Zero Economy.
Keeping SA Far North Business Safe Online
In communities where digital training is often only available online, or not at all, these in-person workshops provided a rare opportunity for business owners to engage directly with an expert facilitator.
Success for the Inaugural Tech Verge Summit
Hosted by Greater Whitsunday Innovations, this inaugural event with a strong focus on ditigal tools explored practical, real-world applications of technology for regional businesses.
Bowen Basin Women in Leadership Program
The Bowen Basin Women in Leadership Program, delivered by RDA Greater Whitsundays and proudly supported by the Local Buying Foundation, has concluded its latest cohort with resounding success
Port Hedland Online Business Directory
The Port Hedland Chamber of Commerce and Industry recently delivered an important project to strengthen the visibility of local businesses
Whyalla Learns How to Make an Impression
More than just a training opportunity, this program highlights the power of collaboration – between education providers, local government and community-focused organisations.
Business Port Pirie Calendar of Events 2025
Port Pirie saw a vibrant gathering of local businesses and families at Business Port Pirie’s recent Kickstart Networking Night. The event, designed to foster collaboration and growth within the community.
Inspiring the Women of Singleton
Featuring Jessica Hull, an Olympic silver medalist and record-breaking athlete, as the guest speaker the luncheon was a sell-out event, packed with attendees such as BHP, Yancoal, Glencore, the Bloomfield Group and AGL.
Resource Industry Network Inspiring our Future Leaders
As part of our commitment to fostering opportunities in regional communities, the LBF ensured that local students could attend and gain valuable insights from industry professionals.
Building Connected Business in Singleton
The Local Buying Foundation continues to fund key roles to ensure Singleton businesses succeed, guaranteeing that the region remains a vibrant, innovative and prosperous place to do business.
The Power of Women in Business
The Local Buying Foundation’s sponsorship of the IWD luncheon in Port Hedland is testament to the Foundation’s commitment to fostering opportunities for female entrepreneurs and professionals, building important collaborations for the future.
Empowering South Australian SMEs for a Net Zero Future
This initiative exemplifies our commitment to fostering sustainable business communities by investing in projects that drive workforce development, innovation and enhance the capability of local industries.
Queensland Resources and Innovation Expo
The Local Buying Foundation is proud to announce funding for the Resources Centre of Excellence to host an industry-driven Regional Queensland Coal Mining and Innovation Expo in July 2025.
CHDC 2025 Calendar of Events
These events, held throughout 2025, are designed to benefit the 3,300+ businesses in the Central Highlands, spanning sectors such as resources, agriculture, construction, manufacturing, health, education, training and government.
The Launch of Yarnz Network
On February 20, 2025, the inaugural Yarnz Network, hosted by Queensland Trading Tracks, took place, marking a significant milestone for Indigenous businesses in the Mackay/Isaac region. This networking event will tak eplace every month.
Pilbara Clean Energy Education
As industries in the Pilbara work towards decarbonisation and renewable energy development, education and skills training will be essential to ensure local businesses and individuals can actively participate in this transition.
FYTD25 Half Year Highlights
Over the past six months, the Local Buying Foundation has continued to make a significant impact across BHP’s operational regions, driving economic growth and capability development for small, local and Indigenous businesses.
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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.