When it comes to sustainability and growth, Singleton’s small to medium business owners know the power of having
the right support.

That’s why the Local Buying Foundation has matched $35,000 in Singleton Business Chamber funding to ensure the
ongoing support of the Business Development Officer for another year.

The funding, which is effective as of June this year, enables the Business Development Officer to build on the
momentum of the Chamber’s important Building Connected Business Communities program.

Local Buying Foundation Chairperson Deirdra Tindale said the funding meant an important resource in the Singleton
business community could be maintained and small to medium business operators would continue to have access to
what had become a vital source of information, guidance and development opportunities.

Ms Tindale said the Local Buying Foundation was an initiative of BHP’s Local Buying Program, which was delivered in
partnership with C-Res.

She said at the heart of the Foundation’s values was a commitment to strengthening the capacity and capabilities of
small to medium businesses in the regions it operated – namely, the Mt Arthur Coal footprint through the shires of
Muswellbrook, Upper Hunter and Singleton.

“The Foundation supports funding for the implementation of strategic initiatives which build the capacity and
capability of businesses,” Ms Tindale said.

“The investment supported by the Local Buying Foundation Advisory Committee demonstrates the commitment to
building sustainable business communities for the future while acknowledging the great work already being done by
the Business Development Officer.”

The Building Connected Business Communities program will see the Business Development Officer support local
businesses in facilitating connections and opportunities to grow responsive, viable, business ready and sustainable
businesses across BHP’s (namely, Mt Arthur Coal) operational footprint.

The position will continue to facilitate the identification of gaps and opportunities for training, technology and
innovation initiatives; coordination of training and development for small and medium enterprises; and development
Phone 1800 536 663 Email info@localbuyingfoundation.com.au Web www.localbuyingfoundaiton.com.au
of networks and alliances with local government, private enterprise and other local chambers of commerce and
industry groups.

Ms Tindale said the Local Buying Foundation’s capacity to resource projects and sponsor events was only possible due
to the success of the Local Buying Program, which was established in New South Wales in 2016. It was initiated by BHP
to as a sustainable local procurement program, to help small to medium businesses more easily and directly connect
with the Mt Arthur Coal operation.

The Local Buying Program is an innovative approach to increasing the local supply chain effectiveness and supporting
regional economic development. It also reflects BHP’s genuine desire to demonstrate a long-term commitment to the
social and economic well-being of the local communities in which it operates and the broader shires.

Singleton Business Chamber President Sue Gilroy welcomed the matched funding from The Local Buying Foundation.
“We are very excited that Singleton Business Chamber is working in partnership with the Local Buy Foundation to
deliver a business development program for Small and Medium Enterprises,” Ms Gilroy said.

For more information: please visit www.localbuyingfoundation.com.au

Media Contact: Deirdra Tindale, Local Buying Foundation Chairperson (0437 353 719)