NEW SOUTH WALES FUNDING ROUNDS HAVE CLOSED FOR 2025.
Email your local Project Officer Kirsty for assistance and more information.

kirsty@localbuyingfoundation.com.au

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 October 2025:

NSW Projects Funded

Funding approved $

From AI to Customer Care: Equiping Businesses for the Future

by | 9 December 2025 | New South Wales Funding, Sponsorship of Business Awards, Conferences & Events | 0 Comments

This initiative was designed to equip local businesses with practical tools, and xpert insights to help them thrive in today’s competitive environment.

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Building Connected Business in Singleton

by | 8 December 2025 | Micro Business & SME Capacity Building, New South Wales Funding | 0 Comments

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.

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NSWICC 2025 Drives Indigenous Business Growth

by | 8 December 2025 | Indigenous Economic Development, New South Wales Funding | 0 Comments

Over two dynamic days, the NSWICC’s Summit 2025 brought together Aboriginal businesses, industry leaders and government representatives to share knowledge and celebrate culture.

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Investing in Community Connections

by | 12 November 2025 | Micro Business & SME Capacity Building, New South Wales Funding | 0 Comments

The continuation of the Member Services Manager role at Muswellbrook Chamber of Commerce & Industry Inc (MCCI) represents a strategic investment in strengthening local business support and community

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Building Capacity in Muswellbrook

by | 11 November 2025 | Funding Category, Industry Promotion & Economic Development, New South Wales Funding | 0 Comments

Two initiatives represent a strategic investment in the long-term sustainability of the Muswellbrook Chamber and the broader business community to respond to the community’s needs.

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NSW Funding Round Dates:

All Funding Rounds for 2026 are now finalised.

Round 1: closes March 27, 2026
Round 2: closes September 18, 2026

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

Andrew Bosch | Muswellbrook Shire Council
Council/Local Government Representative

Mike Kelly | Muswellbrook Chamber of Commerce
Business Chamber Representative

 

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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.