Local Buying Foundation

Local Buying Foundation The Local Buying Foundation provides funding to support projects and programs which build the capability and capacity of business and industry.

The Foundation is a critical element of BHP's Local Buying Program, both administered by C-Res. Local Buying Foundation funding is held in trust and payments are facilitated by C-Res on behalf of the Local Buying Foundation Advisory Committees across the 4 regions in which the LBF operates: NSW, QLD, WA and SA.

MACKAY REGION CHAMBER BUSINESS AWARDS | Celebrating local success in Mackay Congratulations to Local Buying Program supp...
04/06/2026

MACKAY REGION CHAMBER BUSINESS AWARDS | Celebrating local success in Mackay

Congratulations to Local Buying Program suppliers, Mackay Safety, M & P Services and Jade McAuley from Rebel Nation on their success at the Mackay Best in Business Awards, proudly supported by the Local Buying Foundation.

These businesses continue to deliver strong outcomes for their customers, support local jobs and contribute to thriving regional communities.

Well done to all award winners and finalists, and to Mackay Region Chamber for a fantastic event!

If you’re a small business in the Upper Spencer Gulf, this is a great opportunity to get in front of industry.Tactic’s n...
26/05/2026

If you’re a small business in the Upper Spencer Gulf, this is a great opportunity to get in front of industry.

Tactic’s new Local Launchpad, supported by the Local Buying Foundation, gives local businesses a low cost entry to exhibit at a major conference and connect directly with project proponents and decision makers.

It’s a practical way to build relationships, showcase your capability and better understand how to engage with major projects and supply chains.

Places are limited, with Expressions of Interest closing 12 June.

Introducing the Local Launchpad at the 2026 Tactic Conference and Trade Expo !

Proudly supported by the Local Buying Foundation, the Local Launchpad is a new initiative designed to showcase small and local businesses.

This dedicated line of exhibitor booths brings together a group of local suppliers, making it easier than ever for industry and major project proponents to discover, connect and start meaningful conversations with businesses from the Upper Spencer Gulf and surrounding regions.

𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗯𝗲 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗟𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗟𝗮𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗵𝗽𝗮𝗱?
It’s your opportunity to:
> Build relationships with key industry players
> Gain valuable exposure
> Showcase your capability
> Better understand how to engage with major projects

𝗘𝘅𝗵𝗶𝗯𝗶𝘁𝗼𝗿 𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀:
> 2m x 2m space in an open format (within the Launchpad zone)
> 1 delegate ticket
> 1 bar table + 2 bar stools

𝗜𝗻𝘃𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁:
> $1,500 (non-members)
> $1,000 (members)

𝗘𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗶𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆:
> Business must be owned and operated in the Upper Spencer Gulf or surrounding regions
> Small business (1–4 FTE)
> Must not have exhibited at the Expo before

This is about creating access for local businesses to step in, be seen, and be part of what comes next, and for major projects to easily discover the strength of regional supply.

To express your interest, email Lucy at [email protected] to discuss your eligibility. (Approved applicants will receive a registration link.)

Places are strictly limited! Expressions of Interest must be received by email by no later than 12 June.

Queensland Trading Tracks | From first steps to stronger futuresDuring National Reconciliation Week, we reflect on the i...
26/05/2026

Queensland Trading Tracks | From first steps to stronger futures

During National Reconciliation Week, we reflect on the importance of creating meaningful pathways and long term opportunities for Indigenous businesses.

Supported by funding from the Local Buying Foundation, the Queensland Trading Tracks pilot has delivered strong outcomes, building capability, confidence and connections across the supply chain. As the program reaches an important milestone, it’s exciting to see Marabisda Inc now leading delivery and continuing this impact independently.

From practical training to real opportunities, Indigenous businesses are better equipped to engage with industry and grow sustainable businesses.

Learn more about the achievements and next chapter in our latest story:
👉 bit.ly/42V95QK

💜 💜    Queensland Funding Round 2 is now open! 💜 💜  Applications are now open for the Local Buying Foundation’s Queensla...
21/05/2026

💜 💜 Queensland Funding Round 2 is now open! 💜 💜

Applications are now open for the Local Buying Foundation’s Queensland funding round. Thinking about an early 2027 event in the Mackay or Isaac regions? We would love to hear from you. Reach out to discuss your idea and apply now so you don't miss out.

To be eligible, your project must align with one of the Local Buying Foundation funding categories:
🟣 Indigenous Economic Development
🟣 Innovation, Skills and Business Development
🟣 Sponsorship

💡 How to Apply:
Visit localbuyingfoundation.com.au to check eligibility and submit your application.

📅 Applications close 17 July 2026

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A moment to say thank you for an extraordinary contibution to C-ResAfter 14 years of service, Darryl Camilleri will reti...
20/05/2026

A moment to say thank you for an extraordinary contibution to C-Res

After 14 years of service, Darryl Camilleri will retire from the C‑Res Board this week.
Darryl has been part of C‑Res since the very beginning back in 2012. As a founding director and later Chair, he has supported the organisation from its early days through to national delivery of the BHP Local Buying Program and Local Buying Foundation.

Over that time, Darryl has played an important role in guiding C‑Res through growth, change and major milestones. His commitment and steady leadership have helped shape the direction of the organisation while staying focused on its purpose. Darryl has been especially proud of the impact the BHP Local Buying Program and Local Buying Foundation have had in supporting the sustainability and growth of the regional communities we work in.

We sincerely thank Darryl for his remarkable contribution over many years and wish him all the very best for what’s ahead. It's been a privilege to have him as part of the C-Res story, and his legacy will continue through the work C-Res does to support regional communities across Australia.

29/04/2026

📅 REMINDER – YARNZ NETWORK EVENT NEXT WEEK! 7th of May

Hi Everyone! 😊
Just a friendly reminder that our YARNZ Network Event is happening next week we’d love to see you there!

Queensland Trading Tracks is excited to have VEX Group hosting and sponsoring our May event. VEX Group is a locally owned Indigenous business based in Mackay, working across engineering, fabrication, and end-to-end project solutions in mining, construction, and industrial sectors.

Come along for a relaxed morning of networking, coffee, and brekky! 🙌

☕ Coffee by J&J Wired Bird Coffee Van
🍽️ Catering by Latoya Latimer Catering

📍 Event: The YARNZ Network
📅 Date: 07 May 2026
⏰ Time: 7:30am – 9:00am
📍 Location: VEX Group, 9 David Muir Street, Slade Point
📩 RSVP: [email protected]

See you there! 😊

29/04/2026
29/04/2026

ADAPT OR DIE | SMALL BUSINESS MONTH

Who are Mackay’s masked business Avengers…?

You’ll have to show up to find out.

What we can tell you is this — behind the masks are six local business minds, each stepping up with one thing:

👉 a sharp, practical strategy to help you stay ahead

No long speeches. No time wasted.

⚡ 6 speakers
⚡ 5 minutes each
⚡ Real talk for real business

Because in 2026… standing still isn’t a strategy.

🗓 Thursday 7 May
🕛 From 12:00PM
📍 Ocean International
🍽 Two-course lunch
🎟 $49
Book Now! 👉https://tinyurl.com/2hr2fnm7

Thanks to our event partners Mackay Regional Council & Local Buying Foundation

This Queensland Small Business Month event is proudly supported by the Queensland Government.

💚 💚   SA Funding Round 1 is now open! 💚 💚 Applications are now open for the Local Buying Foundation’s South Australia fu...
08/04/2026

💚 💚 SA Funding Round 1 is now open! 💚 💚

Applications are now open for the Local Buying Foundation’s South Australia funding round. If your organisation is delivering initiatives that support local business communities, we encourage you to apply.

To be eligible, your project must align with one of the Local Buying Foundation funding categories:
🟢 Indigenous Economic Development
🟢 Innovation, Skills and Business Development
🟢 Sponsorship

💡 How to Apply:
Visit localbuyingfoundation.com.au to check eligibility and submit your application.
📅 Applications close 8 May 2026

GW3 is running a benchmarking survey to better understand the challenges and priorities facing Greater Whitsundays busin...
08/04/2026

GW3 is running a benchmarking survey to better understand the challenges and priorities facing Greater Whitsundays businesses. Your input will help build a clearer picture of what support is needed, so we encourage you to take a few minutes to complete the survey.

TAKE THE SURVEY | Your response helps shape what comes next.

Where is our region really at with decarbonisation?
The Decarbonisation Benchmarking Survey is now open and capturing insights from local businesses across the Greater Whitsunday region.

This is the third annual benchmark, helping track progress and inform what support, tools and programs are needed next.
Your response helps shape what comes next.
Add your experience to the regional benchmark.
👉 Take the survey here:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Z9NPXHS?fbclid=IwY2xjawRCue1leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFPUVNseW40UGtQbEtVeDNlc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHlgxCLUv8dOagPlYLGqTwP5VBj9CdC23xNuU2ervQZ0yMjsqc__W7ul1cTGJ_aem_tigPspNGF2KEOk0y45Ijbg

Local Buying Foundation
Resources Centre of Excellence
Resource Industry Network
Mackay Region Chamber of Commerce
Isaac Business Chamber
Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Address

224 Victoria Street
Mackay, QLD
4740

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