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 $

Muswellbrook Business Awards Shine a Light on Success

by | 1 July 2025 | New South Wales Funding, Sponsorship of Business Awards, Conferences & Events | 0 Comments

Muswellbrook’s business community came together to celebrate excellence, resilience and innovation at the 2025 Muswellbrook Business Awards

Read More

Chamber Leadership Strengthens Local Businesses

by | 1 July 2025 | Industry Promotion & Economic Development, New South Wales Funding | 0 Comments

This funding will subsidise the Member Services Manager (MSM) role through to June 2026, with in-principle support for a second year.

Read More

Building Capacity to Manage Muswellbrook’s Changing Diversity

by | 1 July 2025 | Industry Promotion & Economic Development, New South Wales Funding | 0 Comments

Responding to economic shifts including the closure of Liddell Power Station and the shutdown of BHP’s Mt Arthur

Read More

Upper Hunter Showcase Returns Promoting Local Business Growth

by | 1 July 2025 | New South Wales Funding, Sponsorship of Business Awards, Conferences & Events | 0 Comments

The 2025 Showcase in Muswellbrook is designed to promote local businesses to a broader audience, increasing spending.

Read More

Empowering Indigenous Enterprise

by | 1 July 2025 | New South Wales Funding, Sponsorship of Business Awards, Conferences & Events | 0 Comments

The Local Buying Foundation has confirmed its sponsorship of the NSW Indigenous Chamber of Commerce’s flagship event, The Summit 2025.

Read More

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

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

Nicole Rindal | Singleton Shire Council
Council/Local Government Representative

Mike Kelly | Muswellbrook Chamber of Commerce
Business Chamber Representative

Andrew Bosch | Muswellbrook Shire Council
Economic Development Officer

Keep in touch

Sign up to receive the latest news and events happening in our local regions.

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.