A new recognition and reward system has been launched in Port Hedland which will increase BHP’s support of Pilbara businesses.

Our people leaders are now able to reward high performing team members with $30 gift vouchers to spend at local businesses.

Our employees and contractors can earn gift vouchers for excelling in safety and performance and can spend them at a wide range of businesses thanks to the Local Buying Program, which is delivered via astrategic partnership between C-Res and BHP Local businesses participating in the pilot program include Hai’s Coffee, Ginger Fox, Hedland Emporium, PHYSIOlogical Training, Pharmacy 777 Port Hedland, Charmers Jewellers, Port Hedland Yacht Club, Oceania-Lee Hair Design, Lil’s Retravision and Hedland Harbour Café.

BHP’s General Manager for Rail, Michael Bailey said more businesses would be added as the initiative gains momentum.

“We’re committed to supporting the growth of local business and our local economy through direct and indirect opportunities,” he said.

“This new voucher initiative is a great way for us to support the Pilbara community, while also encouraging our employees to buy local – it’s a win-win situation.”

Administration Officer Jen Scroggie, was the first employee to be awarded a voucher for her continued outstanding efforts in the Local Buying Program. She spent her voucher at local clothing and accessories store, Ginger Fox.

“It’s a terrific feeling to not only be recognised within my team but then to be able to use the gift vouchers to give back to the community and buy local,” she said.

“Already there is a real buzz going on with people talking about the initiative within our teams on site and out in the community – everyone is excited to get this project off the ground.”

BHP’s Local Buying program was expanded to the Pilbara in late 2017 and it enables small local businesses to supply goods and services to BHP, with a dedicated buying platform and reduced payment terms of 21 days from receipt of invoice (average 15 days).

Businesses who employ less than 20 FTE’s with a significant physical presence near BHP’s operations can be eligible to be a part of the program. Nearly $7.0M in approved spend (Pilbara project to date) has been awarded through the program, with over 220 local and Aboriginal Traditional Owner businesses registered.

Learn more about the BHP Local Buying Program.

For more information, click here (PDF 3.21MB)