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 March 2025:

SA Projects Funded

Funding approved $

Celebrating Local Excellence

The Local Buying Foundation has confirmed its support for the upcoming 2025 Port Augusta Outstanding Business Awards, delivered by Business Port Augusta, and scheduled for mid October.

Supporting Sustainable Success in Port Augusta

Business Port Augusta is launching a new initiative to support the wellbeing and capability of local business owners across four events between June and September.

Upper Spencer Gulf Workforce Summit to Strengthen Regional Workforce Planning

28 July 2025, the summit precedes the Tactic Conference and Trade Expo and is expected to attract over 130 attendees.

Boosting Flood Tourism in Outback SA

A strategic new RDA Far North initiative aimed at proactively unlocking the tourism potential of South Australia’s iconic Kati-Thanda Lake Eyre.

Keeping SA Far North Business Safe Online

In communities where digital training is often only available online, or not at all, these in-person workshops provided a rare opportunity for business owners to engage directly with an expert facilitator.

SA Funding Round Dates:

All Funding Rounds for 2025 are now finalised.

Round 1: closed May 9, 2025
Round 2: closes October 17, 2025

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 SA

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 Council
  • Port Augusta City Council
  • Port Pirie Regional Council
  • Roxby Downs Council
  • Whyalla City Council
  • Outback Communities Authority

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

Natalie Mooney | 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 | Platinum Civil Construction Group
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.