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Local Buying Foundation (Qld)

High
Corporate Foundation|ABN 53674747408|www.localbuyingfoundation.com.auACNC Register →
Annual Giving
$1.3M
Grant Range
$5K – $500K
Giving Ratio
0.94%

About

The Local Buying Foundation (Qld) was established in 2012 by BHP to foster the economic development and sustainability of regions where BHP and BMA operate in Queensland. It provides funding, resources, and initiatives to support local business growth, capability, and community economic resilience.

Tips for Applicants

Applicants should demonstrate how their project will enhance economic stability, support local business training and development needs, or foster workforce development, innovation, and business capacity in the Central Highlands, Isaac, or Mackay regions of Queensland. Priority may be given to initiatives supporting Indigenous businesses and entrepreneurs. Engaging with the Local Buying Foundation Advisory Committee members who represent regional economic development interests can also be beneficial.

Giving Philosophy

The foundation approaches giving by enhancing the economic sustainability of regions within the operational footprint of BHP and BMA assets in Queensland. It does this by supporting programs and initiatives that target local business training, development needs, workforce development, innovation, and the productive capacity of business and industry.

Notable Grants

Support for a decarbonisation accelerated project
Funding for a women in leadership program
Support for an agricultural skills-building program
Funding for a professional grant writing services program
Support for a town ambassador tourism initiative
Funding for the 'Bridging the Boundaries: Business Facilitator Program'

Giving History

2022
$1.3M

ACNC Financial History

YearGrants GivenRevenueTotal AssetsNet Assets
FY2023
$795K
$1.8M$3.7M$3.6M
FY2022
$1.2M
$1.4M$3.2M$3.0M
FY2021
$1.6M
$743K$3.0M$2.0M
3yr total$3.6MSource: ACNC Annual Information Statements

Focus Areas

communityeconomic developmentbusiness developmentindigenousworkforce developmentinnovation
Geographic
AU-QLD
Recipients
nfpcommunity orgbusiness

Financial Details

Source of Wealth
The foundation's funding primarily comes from BHP (BHP Billiton Mitsubishi Alliance - BMA, and BHP Billiton Mitsui Coal - BMC), a global mining company. BHP contributes financially to the Local Buying Foundation for every approved transaction made through its broader Local Buying Program.
Parent Company
BHP (ASX: BHP)
Revenue Sources
mining

Board & Leadership

Melissa Westcott - Local Buying Foundation Chair
Cynthia Harrison - BMA Procurement Representative
Jasmine Cadd - BMA Corporate Affairs Representative
Shane Brandenburg - Isaac Regional Council (Council/Local Government Representative)
Deb Allan - Mackay Manufacturing Hub (Cross-Regional Industry Representative)
Maree Sturdy - Mackay Region Chamber of Commerce (Business Chamber Representative)
Bronwyn Reid - 4T Consulting (Independent)
George Fitos - JETZ Contracting (Independent)

Data Sources

Profile quality: high
Last profiled: 11 March 2026
Added: 27 February 2026
View on ACNC Register →