News and Publications
Artists Connect Inc. Strategic Plan
Established in 2022, Artists Connect Inc is a not-for-profit network dedicated to enriching the Mackay, Isaac and Whitsunday regions through diverse artistic programs. The strategic plan, funded by the Local Buying Foundation and developed with input from 58...
Greater Whitsunday Communities’ Key Workforce Accommodation Project
The QLD Local Buying Foundation is proud to announce it's support the Greater Whitsunday Communities’ Key Workforce Accommodation Project, addressing one of the most pressing challenges for businesses in the Mackay region—access to housing for key workers. Running...
Business Singleton Calendar of Events 2025
The NSW Local Buying Foundation has approved funding for Business Singleton's 2025 Events Program under the Sponsorship of Business Awards, Conferences, and Events funding category. This partnership will support key events that strengthen and spotlight the Singleton...
Scone Chamber of Commerce and Industry Business Workshop Series
The NSW Local Buying Foundation is excited to announce its sponsorship of the Scone Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s 2025 Business Workshop Series under the Business and Industry Innovation funding category. This series, consisting of four expert-led workshops, aims...
First Nations Trade & Talent Exhibition Mackay
In celebration of Indigenous Business Month 2024, the Queensland Local Buying Foundation was honoured to be a Gold Sponsor for the First Nations Trade & Talent Exhibition, a standout event organized by Marabisda Inc. in Mackay. The event drew local and regional...
Resource Industry Network 2024 Calendar of Events
RIN Professional Development Conference - Empowering Regional Leadership and Innovation The Local Buying Foundation is proud to have once again sponsored the Resource Industry Network (RIN) Professional Development Conference in 2024. The Local Buying Foundation has...
HORIZON Uplifting Indigenous Female Leaders Program
The HORIZON Uplifting Regional Women in Leadership Program held their first series of intensive masterclasses recently in Newman and Port Hedland. This groundbreaking program, designed to build culturally safe leadership and entrepreneurial skills, primarily focuses...
UniHub Spencer Gulf Professional Development Short Courses
In October, professionals in Port Pirie came together to boost their project management skills, attending a hands-on "Introduction to Project Management" course delivered in partnership with UniHub Spencer Gulf and the University of Adelaide. Participants explored the...
Newman Neighbourhood Centre Business Hub Launch
Last week, the Newman Neighbourhood Centre celebrated the launch of its new Business Hub—a project designed to support local entrepreneurs and small businesses with practical, flexible workspaces. Representatives from C-Res, including Kim Kinsella, Business...
Newman Business Excellence Awards 2024
The Local Buying Foundation was proud to sponsor the 2024 Newman Chamber of Commerce and Industry Business Excellence Awards, an event that showcased the outstanding achievements of local businesses in Newman. Held annually, the Awards celebrate innovation, inspire...
Newman Career Expo 2024
The WA Local Buying Foundation is proud to announce its sponsorship of the Newman Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (NCCI) for the upcoming Newman Career Expo under the Sponsorship of Business Awards, Conferences, and Events funding category. The Newman Career...
Split Spaces AI Workshop Series
In today's fast-paced business world, staying ahead means embracing new technologies. Sponsored by the Local Buying Foundation, Split Spaces is running a series of 10 workshops showcasing how transformative AI can be for businesses. By funding this series, the Local...
Business Port Pirie Business Awards 2024
In September, Business Port Pirie hosted its long-awaited Annual Dinner & Awards Night, marking a return to the event after several years. The Local Buying Foundation proudly sponsored the event, aligning with our commitment to showcasing local businesses that...
Upper Hunter Small Business Showcase 2024
In September, the Muswellbrook Showground was transformed into a vibrant hub of creativity and connection as the Upper Hunter Showcase took place alongside The TV & Movie Nostalgia Festival. With over 3,000 attendees and 22 local businesses proudly represented,...
Mackay Isaac Tourism Gala Awards 2024
The Local Buying Foundation is proud to sponsor the Mackay Isaac Tourism (MIT) Gala Awards 2024 under the Sponsorship of Business Awards, Conferences and Events funding category. The Gala Awards are the premier annual event for the region, recognising and celebrating...
Local Buying Foundation fuels Business Boost Program in Pilbara
The Local Buying Foundation, in partnership with the Port Hedland Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHCCI), is excited to introduce the Business Boost program. This initiative is designed to SME's in the Port Hedland and Newman regions, helping to build a sustainable,...
NSW Indigenous Chamber of Commerce Summit 2024
The Summit 2024 - A Celebration of Indigenous Business Excellence The Summit 2024, hosted by the NSW Indigenous Chamber of Commerce (NSWICC), brought together a vibrant mix of Indigenous businesses, government leaders, and industry representatives for two days of...
GW3 Showcases Greater Whitsunday at SynBio Beta Conference
Greater Whitsunday Alliance (GW3), representing the Mackay, Isaac, and Whitsunday regions, recently attended the SynBio Beta conference in the USA with support from the Local Buying Foundation. The event allowed GW3 to take part in the ‘Build Your Biofuture’...
Isaac Tourism Development Officer Funded Role
Brianna Baggow was appointed by Mackay Isaac Tourism (MIT) as the Isaac Tourism Development Officer in January 2024, thanks to the Queensland Local Buying Foundation providing funding for this role as part of the broader Bridging the Boundaries funded positions...
Upper Spencer Gulf Workforce Summit
The Local Buying Foundation joined regional partners to sponsor the 2nd Annual Upper Spencer Gulf Workforce Summit, held in Port Augusta in August. This event brought together industry, government, and regional stakeholders to tackle the significant workforce...
Empowering Future Agricultural Leaders through LEADAg Program
During Week 1 of the LEADAg Youth program a group of enthusiastic young participants kicked off their journey in agricultural leadership through a week of hands-on experiences and expert insights into the industry. The program offered a blend of training and...
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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.