The Local Buying Foundation is to enhance the economic sustainability of local communities within the operational footprint of BHP Mt Arthur Coal, supporting the regions of the Hunter Valley, Singleton and Muswellbrook. We do this through the support of programs and initiatives that target local business training and development needs.
Below is a snapshot of the NSW data as at May 2025:
NSW Projects Funded
Funding approved $
NSW Funding Round Dates:
All Funding Rounds for 2025 are now finalised.
Round 1: closed April 4, 2025
Round 2: closes September 19, 2025
Round 1: closes March 27, 2026
Round 2: closes September 18, 2025
Please direct any out-of-round enquiries to info@localbuyingfoundation.com.au
Supported regions in NSW:
The Local Buying Foundation in New South Wales aims to enhance the economic stability in the local government areas of:
- Muswellbrook
- Singleton
- Upper Hunter
NSW Advisory Committee
To ensure that the Local Buying Foundation funding opportunities target genuine community needs, a Local Buying Foundation Advisory Committee has been established for each State.
The Advisory Committees are a representative body made up of key stakeholders from across the LBF regions with an interest or skills and expertise in regional economic development. The Committee provides guidance and market/environment intelligence to inform, identify and support and the investment and disbursement of the Foundation’s funds and to oversee effective governance of the Foundation.
The Advisory Committees ensure that approved projects, programs, and initiatives align with the Foundation’s objectives, meet specified criteria and have the appropriate due diligence.
Melissa Westcott | Local Buying Foundation Chair
Donovan Raj | BHP
BHP Procurement Representative
Amanda Walker | BHP
BHP Corporate Affairs Representative
Sean Britton | Singleton Shire Council
Council/Local Government Representative
Jacqui Bakewell |Â Upper Hunter Council
Council/Local Government Representative
Mike Kelly | Muswellbrook Chamber of Commerce
Business Chamber Representative
Andrew Bosch | Muswellbrook Shire Council
Economic Development Officer
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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.