Strengthening the economy through our Local Buying Program

The Local Buying Program is a strategic partnership between BHP and C-Res that supports small, local and Indigenous businesses to become BHP suppliers.

This Program supports regional economies, like the Hunter Valley, by ensuring small, local and Indigenous businesses can participate in BHP supply chains in line with BHP’s values.

In FY26, New South Wales Energy Coal spent $14.3 million with 85 suppliers through our Local Buying Program.

Increasing community resilience through our Local Buying Foundation

For every transaction made through the Local Buying Program, BHP invests funds into the Local Buying Foundation which supports a range of local initiatives designed to create more sustainable business communities. These Foundations are run by representatives of the local community to ensure investments have the greatest possible impact.

In FY26, there was $349,000 of active investment in New South Wales through the Local Buying Foundation.

A priority area for this investment is initiatives that drive regional economic activity, and through the Local Buying Foundation’s Bridging the Boundaries program, a number of roles at local business chambers are funded.

The Local Buying Foundation currently funds roles at the Muswellbrook Chamber of Commerce, Scone Chamber and Business Singleton to improve capability-building for businesses in the Hunter Valley.

Two of the roles currently funded are a dedicated Member Services Manager and an Administrative Support Officer within the Muswellbrook Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

The Member Services Manager role is responsible for strengthening how local businesses identify and engage with business opportunities. The role is also responsible for delivering a consistent calendar of events, workshops and programs that support business growth.

The Administrative Support Officer role increases the Chamber’s capacity for strong communication and engagement with its members.

These roles give local businesses greater access to support that builds their capability to navigate change and seize new opportunities, contributing to a stronger and more resilient local economy.

For more information on the Local Buying Program or Local Buying Foundation, including their impact across FY26, visit the C-Res website or view their FY26 Year in Review video.