SOUTH AUSTRALIA’S 2026 FUNDING ROUND 1 OPENS SOON
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, Whyalla and Roxby Downs.

Below is a snapshot of the SA data as of March 2026:

SA Projects Funded

Funding approved $

Indigenous voices guiding the future of SA Trading Tracks

A key milestone has been reached in the South Australian Trading Tracks pilot with the establishment of the Indigenous Business Reference Group with members contributing to the program design

Building digital confidence for Far North small businesses

Small business owners have strengthened their digital skills through the Growing Your Brand with Social Media and Digital for Business Success workshops, hosted by RDA Far North

Continuing a Connection to Business, Industry and Region

Tactic is transitioning the previously funded role, Industry Engagement Officer, into a new position titled Industry Stakeholder Lead. This reflects a stronger focus on capability‑building and on‑ground support for small businesses

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.

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

 

Email Us

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.