The Local Buying Foundation is adding value to our local regional communities in Western Australia.

We aim to enhance the economic sustainability of regions within the operational footprint of BHP Minerals Australia assets and BHP Operation Services in Western Australia.

We do this through the support of programs and initiatives that target local business training and development needs by adding value to our business communities in Western Australia (Iron Ore) which includes the shires of Port Hedland and East PIlbara.

 Below is a snapshot of the WA (Iron Ore) data as at 30 November 2024:

WA Projects Funded

Funding approved $

Port Hedland Chamber of Commerce Calendar of Events 2024

The Port Hedland Chamber of Commerce’s 2024 Men in Business Breakfast Series has wrapped up, leaving a lasting impact on the Pilbara’s local business community. As the major sponsor, the Local Buying Foundation is proud to have supported this series, which championed...

Driving Regional Collaboration in the Pilbara: The Launch of the Pilbara Regional Chamber of Commerce and Industry

The Local Buying Foundation has proudly approved funding to support the next stage of development for the Pilbara Regional Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PRCCI), with funding approved under the Industry Promotion and Economic Development category. This funding will...

HORIZON Uplifting Indigenous Female Leaders Program

The HORIZON Uplifting Regional Women in Leadership Program held their first series of intensive masterclasses recently in Newman and Port Hedland. This groundbreaking program, designed to build culturally safe leadership and entrepreneurial skills, primarily focuses...

Newman Neighbourhood Centre Business Hub Launch

Last week, the Newman Neighbourhood Centre celebrated the launch of its new Business Hub—a project designed to support local entrepreneurs and small businesses with practical, flexible workspaces. Representatives from C-Res, including Kim Kinsella, Business...

Newman Business Excellence Awards 2024

The Local Buying Foundation was proud to sponsor the 2024 Newman Chamber of Commerce and Industry Business Excellence Awards, an event that showcased the outstanding achievements of local businesses in Newman. Held annually, the Awards celebrate innovation, inspire...

WA Funding Round Dates:

All Funding Rounds for 2025 are now finalised. 

Round 1: closes February 28, 2025
Round 2: closes August 29, 2025

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

 

Local Buying Foundation Supported Regions WA

Supported regions in WA:

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

  • Town of Port Hedland
  • Shire of East Pilbara

 

WA 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.

Listed are the WA  Advisory Committee members appointed for 2024-2026.

Melissa Westcott | Local Buying Foundation Chair

Candice Williams | BHP
BHP Procurement Representative

Rachel Donkin | BHP
BHP Corporate Affairs Representative

Steven Dhu | Aboriginal Enterprises Australia
Traditional Owner/Indigenous Representative

Sarah Stampfli | Serene Bedlam
Local Business Representative

Tina Scott | Port Hedland Chamber of Commerce Inc.
Business Chamber Representative

Susan Grylls | Pilbara Universities Centre
Education Representative

Gloria Jacob | Pilbara Connections Consultancy
Independent

 

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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.