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 30 November 2024:

NSW Projects Funded

Funding approved $

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...

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,...

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...

Scone Women in Business Gala Evening 2025

In the first NSW funding round for 2024, which closed in April, the "Women in Business Gala Evening 2025," organized by the Scone Chamber, has been approved for sponsorship. This gala will highlight and celebrate the achievements of women in business within the Upper...

NSW Funding Round Dates:

All Funding Rounds for 2025 are now finalised. 

Round 1: closes April 4, 2025
Round 2: closes September 19, 2025

Please direct any out-of-round enquiries to info@localbuyingfoundation.com.au 

Local Buying Foundation Supported Regions NSW

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 | 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.