WESTERN AUSTRALIA’S 2026 FUNDING ROUND 1 HAS NOW CLOSED.
Email your local Project Officer Cody for assistance and more information.
cody@localbuyingfoundation.com.au
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 of March 2026:
WA Projects Funded
Funding approved $
WA Funding Round Dates:
All Funding Rounds for 2026 are now finalised.
Round 1: closed February 27, 2026
Round 2: closes August 28, 2026
Please direct any out-of-round enquiries to info@localbuyingfoundation.com.au
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 2026-2028.
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
Scott Ballem | Port Hedland Chamber of Commerce Inc.
Business Chamber Representative
Susan Grylls | Pilbara Universities Centre
Education Representative
Gloria Jacob | PHLAGS+
Independent
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.