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 30 November 2024:
SA Projects Funded
Funding approved $
SA Funding Round Dates:
All Funding Rounds for 2025 are now finalised.
Round 1: closes May 9, 2025
Round 2: closes October 17, 2025
Please direct any out-of-round enquiries to info@localbuyingfoundation.com.au
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
- District of Mount Remarkable
- Flinders Range Region
- Northern Areas Region
- 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.