Engagement Update | July 2026

Published on 06 July 2026

By Jeremy Walker, Senior Engagement Manager

Throughout June, the Local Buy Engagement Team continued to strengthen relationships with councils and suppliers across Queensland, delivering training, strategic conversations, and sector-wide collaboration. Engagements spanned from Far North Queensland to the Darling Downs and Central Queensland, with a strong focus on procurement capability uplift, supplier readiness, and supporting councils to maximise value through Local Buy Arrangements and Unimarket (Powered by VendorPanel).

Audrey Dobell continued her extensive work across northern and remote councils, travelling with Category Manager Debbie Spann to meet with:

• Tablelands Regional Council
• Etheridge Shire Council
• Croydon Shire Council
• Carpentaria Shire Council

These engagements focused on procurement support, supplier development, and strengthening council understanding of Local Buy’s value proposition across remote communities.

June was a high‑activity month across Western Queensland, Central Queensland, and the Southeast, with a strong emphasis on training and capability building.

Jeremy delivered Local Buy and Unimarket training alongside colleagues at:

• Diamantina Shire Council with Category Manager Debbie Spann
• Longreach Regional Council with Category Manager Michelle Stockdale
• Boulia Shire Council with Category Manager Anne‑Maree Hapgood

Jeremy also met with Mackay Regional Council with Anne‑Maree Hapgood and joined Michelle Stockdale for engagement with Rockhampton Regional Council.

A key highlight of the month was attending the Local Government Mutual Services LGW People and Safety Conference with Category Manager Michael Franzmann, Senior Engagement Manager Liz Macfarlan and Manager - Business Development Shez Mussa, where the team connected with representatives from the below councils and reinforced Local Buy’s role in supporting efficient and compliant procurement practices.

Liz Macfarlan delivered a comprehensive program of engagements throughout June, supporting elected members, procurement teams, department managers, and prospective suppliers.

Key activities included:

• Supporting LGAQ at an Elected Member Update for City of Moreton Bay
• Meeting with City of Gold Coast alongside Category Manager Anne‑Maree Hapgood
• Engagements with Lockyer Valley Regional Council and Somerset Regional Council
• Meeting with South Burnett Regional Council with Category Specialist Isobel Stenzel
• Engagement with Gladstone Area Water Board
• Meetings with prospective Local Buy suppliers
• Engagements with Scenic Rim Regional Council
• Meetings with Toowoomba Regional Council and City of Moreton Bay with Manager – Business Development, Shezaad Mussa
• Engagements with North Burnett Regional Council and Fraser Coast Regional Council

Liz’s work this month continued to expand Local Buy’s footprint across Southeast Queensland and the Wide Bay–Burnett region, supporting councils to navigate procurement challenges and leverage Local Buy Arrangements effectively.

June demonstrated the team’s commitment to supporting councils of all sizes, from remote western communities to major metropolitan councils. With strong demand for training, supplier engagement, and strategic procurement support, the Engagement Team continues to reinforce Local Buy’s position as the trusted procurement partner for Queensland councils.

Contact your dedicated engagement team