The Local Buying Foundation (LBF) joined regional partners to sponsor the 2nd Annual Upper Spencer Gulf Workforce Summit, held in Port Augusta in August. This event brought together industry, government, and regional stakeholders to tackle the significant workforce challenges and opportunities within the region, highlighting the critical role of local workforce development in supporting sustainable business growth.
The Skills Summit, initiated by Uni Hub Spencer Gulf and Workforce Australia – Local Jobs, served as a platform for collaborative discussions on how to develop a local workforce that can meet the demands of the region’s rapidly growing industries. Topics ranged from workforce shortages to training, with the overarching goal of creating a workforce equipped for the future. In collaboration with organizations such as Spencer Gulf Cities and the Resources and Engineering Skills Alliance (RESA), the Summit generated vital conversations on how collaboration across sectors can maximize the long-term benefits of workforce growth.
With many major projects underway in the Upper Spencer Gulf region, building a strong local workforce is crucial for fostering long-term economic success.
The Summit focused on key themes such as supporting local communities, workforce development, and fostering strong regional economies—core values that align with the mission of the Local Buying Foundation.
“We couldn’t be prouder to support such an impactful initiative that is driving forward-thinking solutions for our region,” the Local Buying Foundation team stated. “This Summit is about creating strong, sustainable business communities by enabling local workers to thrive, which is exactly what LBF is all about.”
Uni Hub CEO Anita Kuss expressed her appreciation for LBF’s involvement, stating, “It was great to have LBF’s support for the Summit. There are some huge opportunities for our region, and we’re committed to helping ‘grow our own’ local workforce.”
As the region continues to expand, events like the Upper Spencer Gulf Workforce Summit, with the support of the Local Buying Foundation, are crucial in ensuring that local talent remains at the forefront of regional development.