QLD: Saraji boosts Dysart spirit | Matilda waltzes through demand | New roles strengthen connection

Three-Hundred-Million.

It's a big number - and for the Local Buying Program, it is a VERY big deal!

In March 2019, the Local Buying Program reached the milestone of $300 million in approved spend. That is $300 million in transactional business between BHP and local businesses throughout the country - in Queensland, New South Wales, South Australia and Western Australia.

It’s a lot of country to cover for an organisation which started out covering only the Central Highlands and Isaac regions in Queensland, with two people only seven years ago. But as the first C-Res employees Tracey Cuttriss-Smith and Debbie Porter would tell you, every bit of hard work has been more than worth it.

National year to date results (Click HERE for a more comprehensive roundup!)

This quarter, BHP achieved another major milestone, with its Local Buying Program achieving $300,000,000 in approved spend to local regional businesses.

From humble beginnings in 2012, with a strategic partnership between C-Res and BMA to deliver the program to six communities in Central Queensland, the Local Buying Program – or LBP, as we call it - has grown and expanded throughout Australia. We now have BMA and BMC in Qld, Mt Arthur Coal in NSW, Olympic Dam in SA and Iron Ore in the Pilbara.

There is nothing like doing a job you really believe in. And it is that belief in C-Res, The Local Buying Program and Local Buying Foundation, that attracted newly-appointed national marketing and communications manager, Meredith Papas to the role.

Meredith loves the regions. She is a strong believer in supporting local businesses and communities and has built her career on giving regional, rural and remote communities – and the people therein – a chance to be heard.

Starting in the role in March, Meredith has had the chance to work with skilled communications officer Alison Noon, Business Development Advisers, and C-Res leaders to develop strategies to strengthen the program's profile and celebrate the many successes.

BMA Saraji strengthens presence in Queensland
Home to both BMA Saraji and an energetic and robust small community, what the town of Dysart might lack in size, is more than made up for in its community spirit.

Indigenous supplier klaws its way to success
In October 2018, local Mackay business, iCutter Industries saw an opportunity it couldn't pass up. The Local Buying Program knocked, and they answered the call.
Matilda Internet waltzes through demand for iPads
Leon Cuzzilla, of Matilda Internet, has been in business for a long time, so he knows when he is on a good thing. Supplying iPads to BMA and BMC since 2016, he has carved out a competitive edge.
New connection buoys buyer-supplier relationship
A change in role for C-Res' Meike Hamilton will help facilitate a stronger understanding and enhanced connection between suppliers and buyers registered with the Local Buying Program.

Queensland year to date results (Click HERE for a more comprehensive roundup!)

The Local Buying Foundation (LBF) is a critical element of the Local Buying Program. BHP make a financial contribution to the LBF for every approved LBP transaction. Find out more on the projects/initiatives/events supported through the LBF:

Aviation for Schools - Drones Project 2018 - 94% Completion Rate
Continued LBF support for Drones in Schools 2019
Small Business Week 2019 Isaac Region
Conferences, Forums and Workshops

Such is the impact the foundation is having on our communities, the team, led by Kirsty Appleton, has launched a dedicated LBF eNews quarterly bulletin. Check it out and tell us what you think!

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