SOUTH AUSTRALIA’S FUNDING ROUNDS HAVE CLOSED FOR 2025.
Email your local Project Officer Cody for assistance and more information.

cody@localbuyingfoundation.com.au

The aim of the Local Buying Foundation is to support and deliver economic and local/regional business programs which build capacity and capability in the communities where BHP, C-Res and the Local Buying Program operate.

We do this through the support of programs and initiatives that target local business training and development needs.

The Local Buying Foundation is adding value to our business communities in South Australia which includes the council areas of Coober Pedy, Port Augusta, Port Pirie, Mount Remarkable, Northern Areas, Flinders Ranges. Outback Communities Authority, Whyalla and Roxby Downs.

Below is a snapshot of the SA data as at October 2025:

SA Projects Funded

Funding approved $

Voices of the Future: Regional Leaders Step Up

The Regional Leadership Development Program delivered by Regional Development Australia Far North with support from PIRSA is continuing to make a strong impact across South Australia’s Far North.

A New Era of Accessible Resources for Local Enterprises

The Tactic Toolkit project has delivered a transformative digital resource designed to meet the evolving needs of regional businesses.

Upper Spencer Gulf Businesses Gain Practical Skills

The Your Business Compass workshop was designed to give regional entrepreneurs in the Upper SPencer Gulf the tools to thrive in a competitive environment.

Celebrating Local Business Excellence

The Port Augusta Outstanding Business Awards highlighted the strength and diversity of the local business community, creating an important platform for recognition and growth.

FY25 Annual Summary | Celebrating a Year of Impact

The FY25 Annual Summary showcases a year of strategic investment and continued support for events and initiatives supporting our local regional businesses.

SA Funding Round Dates:

All Funding Rounds for 2026 are now finalised.

Round 1: closes May 8, 2026
Round 2: closes October 16, 2026

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

 

 

Local Buying Foundation Supported Regions QLD

Supported regions in SA:

The Local Buying Foundation in South Australia aims to enhance the economic stability in the local government areas of:

  • Coober Pedy
  • Port Augusta
  • Port Pirie
  • Roxby Downs
  • Whyalla

SA 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

Bree Sipavicius | BHP
BHP Procurement Representative

Brodie Papps | BHP
BHP Corporate Affairs Representative

Greg Williams | Regional Development Australia Far North
Economic Development Representative

Tamara Thomas | TACTIC
Industry Representative

Anita Kuss | UniHub Spencer Gulf
Economic Development Representative, Education Representative

Mikael Strain | Yamanha Pty Ltd
Traditional Owner/Indigenous Business 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.