For Kate Spencer, building connections has been a common thread throughout her career.
From aviation and events management to supporting Australian businesses in Abu Dhabi and delivering innovation and startup programs, Kate has spent years creating opportunities for people, organisations and communities to grow. Today, she brings that experience to her role with C-Res, helping connect local businesses with opportunities through the BHP Local Buying Program.
“What drew me to C-Res was the chance to apply that same connective work at a scale that changes outcomes for regional communities directly,” Kate said. “The BHP Local Buying Program is not abstract economic development. It is putting real work in front of real local businesses.”
Kate describes herself as a career generalist, having worked across a diverse range of industries and sectors. While every role has been different, a common theme has remained. “Every role sharpened the same skillset: designing programs and systems that turn intent into delivery, building relationships across government, industry and small business that make that delivery possible.”
That experience now helps her support regional businesses to access opportunities, build capability and strengthen their position in major project supply chains.
One of Kate’s career highlights came in 2026 while delivering the Made in the Pilbara grant program on behalf of the Western Australian Government and BHP. The program invested $500,000 directly into Pilbara-based small and medium businesses, helping create more than 40 jobs and 14 apprenticeships while unlocking more than $800,000 in private investment.
For Kate, however, the numbers only tell part of the story. “Watching a local business owner move from ‘we can’t take on that contract because we don’t have the equipment or the people’ to actually hiring, training and growing was incredibly rewarding,” she said. “Knowing the flow-on effect stays in the Pilbara rather than leaving the region is an added bonus.”
It is this long-term impact that motivates Kate and reinforces what she enjoys most about working with regional businesses and communities. “There is a genuine willingness to roll up sleeves, adapt to challenges and find practical solutions,” she said. “The people and organisations I work with are hardworking and community-minded, and it’s inspiring to see how they consistently create opportunities for growth and long-term impact.”
One initiative that stands out to Kate is the Pilbara Supplier Summit, co-hosted by the Newman Chamber of Commerce and Industry and CORE Innovation Hub. “It creates meaningful connections, opens doors for local businesses and demonstrates the power of collaboration in strengthening regional economies,” she said.
While based in Perth, Kate regularly visits regional communities across Western Australia and is continually inspired by the people she meets along the way. “Everyone is so welcoming and friendly,” she said. “I love how many hats regional people wear. Community activities simply wouldn’t happen without people willing to put their hand up, volunteer and make things happen.”
Outside of work, Kate enjoys getting lost in a good book and spending time with her husband, often over a board game and a glass of wine. Scrabble, Rummikub and Qwirkle are among the favourites.
And if she had to nominate a must-see Pilbara experience? “The drive from Karratha through Port Hedland to Newman was incredible. The scenery is epic,” she said. “Karijini is still on my wish list.”
For Kate, regional communities are defined by resilience, collaboration and action. It’s those qualities that continue to inspire her work and reinforce the importance of connecting local businesses with opportunities that help communities grow strong.