Local Buying Program brings the world to regional Queensland

It was only last quarter we were celebrating the Local Buying Program's $300 million approved spend milestone.

And, now, what do you know!? We are celebrating $350 million!

That is the rate at which this incredible program is growing throughout the regional reaches of Queensland, New South Wales, South Australia and Western Australia.

Another financial year has come and gone and each year brings with it a share of challenges, achievements, new projects and fresh approaches.

This year, milestones were a big part of the C-Res and the Local Buying Program or LBP story.

So, it's no wonder BHP Minerals Americas came knocking, eager to find out more about how we do what we do, and then using the C-Res?BHP partnership model to replicate the Local Buying Program in Chile.

It is my absolute privilege to write this message, on behalf of the C-Res board, to mark the end of another financial year!

It’s a privilege because to reach a milestone of $350M being returned to small businesses in local communities across Australia in quick-smart fashion, is quite simply, astonishing.

Our small board of directors live and breathe small business. We have all been small business owners and operators ourselves at one point and we know, that this $350M paid on average in 14 days, supports mum and dad businesses in a very grass roots way.

He has been in the job for just more than a month and, already, new C-Res Manager - Business Development John Aurisch has traversed the country, getting across the Local Buying Program vast network of BHP asset footprints.

It's not all airport lounges and red-eye flights, though!

Having most recently come from a small business background, John is well aware of the challenges facing businesses in regional Australia.

Now, he gets to put that knowledge to good use, supporting our Queensland, New South Wales, South Australia and Western Australian suppliers, while helping our BHP buyers save time and coin on big (and small) ticket spends!

The C-Res Program Administration Team (PAT) is the beating heart of the C-Res organisation and the Local Buying Program.

So finding someone to lead such an incredible team might have been a tough gig. Thankfully, it wasn't.

Janelle Bussey fit the bill, and into the C-Res fold she came, as Manager- PAT and Mackay Office Manager.

With vast career experience in both the public service and small business settings, and a proven track record in systems, process, people and improvement management, Janelle is more than cut out for the job she has signed up for.

Holistic health and safety front of mind for supplier
What does a local Mackay psychology business, BMA Hay Point Coal Terminal and the Local Buying Program have in common? No, it's not the opening line of a joke. But it might not be what you expect, either!
Springsure business tables great plan for upcycling

One man's trash might be another man's treasure, but BHP Blackwater Mine and Foot and Barrett Mitre 10 have struck gold with an innovative approach to new-look crib rooms.
Small businesses talk big ideas
Doing business in the regions can be a bit isolating. So what happens when a week of events brings together scores of business owners and heaps of bright ideas?
C-Res crew picks up its pace in community involvement
On the first day of winter, a group of enthusiastic C-Res employees, along with 1400 others, braved a cold and early morning to participate in the BMA Mackay Marina Run.
RIN Awards showcase industry excellence
Mining and industry excellence from throughout the Mackay and Bowen Basin regions were the toast of a gala evening held by the Resource Industry Network, at the Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre with LBP suppliers scooping the pool!

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Our mailing address is:
C-Res
PO Box 1721
Mackay QLD 4740
Australia