Bundaberg Regional Council's successful Buy Local policy is generating increased activity and employment for local businesses.
Bridget Groves from ARA Fire, which won the contract for Council’s firefighting equipment tender, said the policy been a big boost to the local team.
“Since Buy Local was announced and the ARA Fire Bundaberg branch was awarded the Bundaberg Regional Council contract we have been fortunate to keep the local team extremely busy,” Bridget said.
ARA Fire is also looking to be part of the Black Coffee Bundaberg initiative, supporting and building networks for Indigenous businesses.
“We are reviewing the opportunity of employing a local Indigenous youth to undergo the ARA Indigenous Services Wiimali Program, which has been created to support business processes for inclusion of Indigenous employment,” Bridget said.
AB Supplies benefit from Council policy
AB Supplies is another local business that has benefited from Council’s Buy Local policy, according to the company’s Greg Buckland.
“We value Council’s custom,” Greg said.
“Bundaberg Regional Council’s decision to choose us as a local business to satisfy their janitorial, washroom and kitchenware requirements is appreciated and contributes to the secure employment of the 9 full time staff we have locally.”
Bundaberg and District Chamber of Commerce vice-president Yale Morgan congratulated Council and encouraged other businesses to follow suit.
“It’s important we all buy local and we commend the Council on their policy and encourage other businesses to follow their lead,” Yale said.
“Small business represents the largest employer in our region contributing to our local economy.
“Business success must be maintained and nurtured for future economic growth, employment and training opportunities.”
Businesses wanting to tender for Council business and benefit from the Buy Local policy can pre-register here.
When Council publishes tenders or requests for quotation via LG Tenderbox, registered businesses will be automatically notified.
Information sessions and training for interested businesses is expected to begin in the next few months.
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