C-Res

15/10/2026

We’re HSEC Awards finalists!

We’re incredibly proud to share that the BHP Local Buying Program has been named a finalist in BHP’s 2026 HSEC Awards, in the Community, Indigenous Peoples and Cultural Heritage category.

Being recognised on a global stage alongside initiatives from across BHP countries and assets is a pretty special achievement and a great reflection of the work that goes into the BHP Local Buying Program and Local Buying Foundation every day.

A huge congratulations to everyone who has played a part in getting us here. This recognition belongs to the whole team and the many people who continue to support local and Indigenous businesses and regional communities. Winners will be announced in Melbourne on November 11.

👏 Congratulations team!

Tracey Cuttriss Smith | John Aurisch | Kimberley Kinsella | Kylie Porter | Melissa Westcott | Jessica Simpson

23/09/2026

Regional women are building confidence, capability and leadership networks and now their success has been recognised on a national stage.

The Bowen Basin Women in Leadership Program has received a Highly Commended award at the 2026 SPERA Awards, recognising its contribution to strengthening rural, regional and remote communities.

Delivered by Regional Development Australia Greater Whitsundays with funding from the Local Buying Foundation, the program is helping create future leaders across the Bowen Basin through mentoring, learning opportunities and peer support.

Congratulations to everyone involved in this outstanding achievement. 👏

Read more - https://spera.asn.au/the-bowen-basin-women-in-leadership-program/

The Bowen Basin Women in Leadership Program, delivered by Regional Development Australia Greater Whitsundays with funding from the Local Buying Foundation, supports regional women to build confidence, capability and networks so they can step into leadership roles.

17/09/2026

STRENGTH IN THE WEST | Meet Kate Spencer

Kate has spent her career building connections, from startup programs and events to innovation initiatives and business development.

Today, she's helping connect local businesses with opportunities through the BHP Local Buying Program, creating tangible outcomes that support regional economies and communities.

A few of Kate's favourites:

📚 Always makes time for: Reading

🍷 Favourite way to unwind: A glass of w**e and a board game with her husband

☕ Can't live without: Coffee

🐱 Team dog or cat? Kate is partial to both, but currently team cat (especially my own cat, Marvin!)

🎒 Travel essential: Her trusty tech bag packed with chargers, headphones and a battery pack

⚡ Most inspiring initiative: The Pilbara Supplier Summit

Read Kate's full story and learn more about her journey, what inspires her work and why she is passionate about creating opportunities for regional businesses and communities. 👉 bit.ly/45SWHSK

09/09/2026

Ask R U OK? Any Day 💛

Today is R U OK? Day, and this year's message is simple but powerful: Ask R U OK? Any Day.

Strong communities are built on strong connections. Whether it's a colleague, supplier, business owner, community member, friend or family member, taking the time to check in can make a real difference.

A conversation doesn't need to have all the answers. Sometimes, knowing someone cares enough to ask and listen is what matters most.

At C-Res, we're proud to support the communities where we live and work. Today, and every day, let's look out for one another, have meaningful conversations and create spaces where people feel supported.

If someone's on your mind, ask them R U OK?

Build an R U OK Culture - https://www.ruok.org.au/workplace-champions

The R U OK? Workplace Champions resources support business leaders, owners and employees to build an open, supportive R U OK? workplace culture. Champion's drive change and these resources encourage teams to talk more, recognise the signs of mental health struggles and check in to ask "Are You OK?

24/08/2026

FY26 Annual Summary | A Year in Review

This year, through the BHP Local Buying Program, more than $160 million was spent with local businesses, creating more than 10,000 work opportunities with over 800 suppliers across regional Australia.

The Local Buying Foundation invested more than $3 million into projects, events and initiatives supporting workforce development, business growth, Indigenous business capability and innovation.

But the numbers only tell part of the story.

Inside this year's Annual Summary, you'll find stories of businesses building capability, the expansion of Trading Tracks into South Australia, the growth of Supply Chain Ready, improvements to the buyer experience through a refreshed dashboard and the community initiatives helping regional businesses and communities prepare for future opportunities.

From supply chain participation to community investment, the FY26 Annual Summary highlights the outcomes being created through BHP partnerships, connections and the long term commitment to regional Australia.

Watch the FY26 Year in Review video here 👉 bit.ly/3UcXfjS
Read our online Annual Summary here 👉 adobe.ly/4xcUM7v

03/08/2026

Tactic Conference and Expo | Opportunity starts with a conversation

From meaningful supplier conversations to showcasing the capability of local and Indigenous businesses, the South Australian Tactic Conference & Trade Expo was a fantastic opportunity to connect with businesses from across the Upper Spencer Gulf.

We were proud to stand together with small, local and Indigenous businesses in Local Launchpad. This was a new Local Buying Foundation initiative helping more local suppliers get in the room, build relationships and increase visibility with industry buyers and decision-makers.

Thank you to everyone who took the time to connect with us. Together, we're building stronger supply chains and creating lasting opportunities for regional communities.

30/07/2026

Queensland Mining & Engineering Exhibition (QME) last week provided a valuable opportunity for C-Res and BHP Queensland to connect directly with businesses from Mackay and across Central Queensland.

Over three days, the team engaged with suppliers, buyers and stakeholders to better understand local business challenges, identify opportunities for improvement and share practical information about accessing work, funding and capability development opportunities available through the BHP Local Buying Program and Local Buying Foundation.

These conversations help strengthen relationships, improve understanding of supplier experiences and ensure local businesses are better equipped to participate in the supply chain. They also create valuable opportunities to gather insights that can help shape future support and engagement activities.

Thank you to everyone who stopped by the stand and shared their experiences, ideas and ambitions for the future.

John Aurisch | Lindsey Durnsford | Tracey Cuttriss Smith

04/07/2026

MEET THE BUYER | Roxby Downs, South Australia

South Australia's first Meet the Buyer event since 2019 brought local suppliers and BHP South Australia together in Roxby Downs this week for an afternoon of networking, collaboration and face-to-face conversations. The event was designed to create meaningful connections, strengthen relationships and help suppliers better understand current and future procurement opportunities with BHP.

Delivered through a collaboration between C-Res, BHP, Tactic - Connecting Regional Industry and South Australia Trading Tracks, the event welcomed suppliers from across the region. The day provided an opportunity for small, local and Indigenous businesses to showcase their capabilities, engage directly with buyers and explore pathways to future opportunities.

"Events like Meet the Buyer are about creating genuine connections between suppliers and buyers. By working closely with the BHP Governance and Social Value team, Tactic and SA Trading Tracks, we're helping local businesses build relationships, increase visibility and better understand how to engage with future opportunities," said John Aurisch, General Manager Business Services at C-Res.

A big thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to the conversations, connections and opportunities that made the event such a success.

12/06/2026

WE ARE HIRING | Want to help drive real work opportunities to regional businesses?

C-Res is searching for a Business Development Advisor to deliver the BHP Local Buying Program across the regions of Newman and Port Hedland.

This is not a traditional business development role.
It is about creating opportunity on both sides of the market, working with BHP to generate demand while supporting small, local and Indigenous businesses within the supply chain.

In this role, you will help bring those opportunities to life by:
🌱 Working with BHP to create and grow work opportunities through the program
🌱 Building the supply side by identifying, attracting and developing capable local and Indigenous suppliers
🌱 Connecting buyers and suppliers, facilitating introductions and engagement that unlock real local spend
🌱 Being active in the region through events, campaigns and targeted engagement to increase program participation

This is a role where you will see the direct impact of your work in regional communities, supporting both commercial outcomes and local economic growth.

View the role and apply 👉 bit.ly/4ee0nUd

12/06/2026

WE ARE HIRING | Want a role that supports real change in regional business communities?

C-Res is currently hiring, with an opportunity to contribute to work that sits at the heart of both the BHP Local Buying Program and the Local Buying Foundation.

In this role, you will help strengthen small, local and Indigenous businesses, while supporting initiatives that build capability, create jobs and drive long-term regional outcomes.
The Local Buying Foundation provides funding for projects that grow the potential of regional businesses through workforce development, innovation and increased capacity.

In this role, you will help bring that impact to life by:
🌱 Guiding local organisations and chambers to access funding and grant opportunities
🌱 Working hands-on with businesses and delivery partners to strengthen capability, from early-stage ideas through to implementation
🌱 Facilitating connections between community, industry and stakeholders to turn local priorities into funded outcomes
🌱 Tracking and supporting programs to ensure they deliver real results, from jobs created to skills developed and long-term regional benefit

If you are passionate about community, collaboration and making a measurable difference, this is a role where your work will be felt well beyond the day to day.

View the role and apply 👉 WA bit.ly/4xH91lR SA bit.ly/49PZ7E8