Engagement Update | June 2026

Published on 09 June 2026

Article by Jeremy Walker, Senior Engagement Manager

Throughout the past few months, the Local Buy Engagement team continued to deliver support to councils across Queensland, the Northern Territory, and Norfolk Island. Across meetings, presentations, training sessions, supplier engagement events, and strategic conversations, the team worked closely with procurement leaders, elected members, engineers, economic development teams, and suppliers to help councils navigate procurement challenges and maximise value through Local Buy Arrangements.

Audrey Dobell

Audrey’s activity centred on supporting remote Aboriginal and regional councils and providing hands‑on procurement and Unimarket (powered by VendorPanel) guidance. She partnered with Michelle to deliver Unimarket training and supplier onboarding support during a successful visit to Palm Island Aboriginal Shire Council. Audrey and Michelle also engaged with Townsville City Council, meeting the Mayor and local suppliers, and attended a Townsville Chamber of Commerce networking event.

Audrey continued strengthening relationships across Far North Queensland, meeting with the procurement team and safety officer team at Cassowary Coast Regional Council. This engagement focused on supporting local suppliers and enhancing council–supplier connections through Local Buy.

Jeremy Walker

Jeremy’s engagement spanned councils and suppliers across Central Queensland, Western Queensland, and Southeast Queensland. He also visited Bundaberg Regional Council and presented at their ‘Working with Council information’ session.

In May, Jeremy delivered Local Buy training to Boulia Shire Council’s works team alongside Local Buy Category Manager, Debbie Spann, also met with Bulloo Shire Council. Partnering with Local Buy Category Manager, Sebastian Del Rosso, they engaged with Isaac Regional Council. Jeremy also presented both face‑to‑face and online Supplier Induction Sessions with record attendance and met with Diamantina Shire Council to continue supporting procurement capability uplift.

 Liz Macfarlan

Liz delivered an extensive program of engagements throughout the past few months, spanning elected member updates, procurement policy development, economic development partnerships, and hands‑on training. She met with Norfolk Island Regional Council, Scenic Rim Regional Council, Gympie Regional Council and City of Moreton Bay. Liz also represented Local Buy at the LGAQ’s Elected Member Update at Noosa Shire Council and engaged with Redland City Council at the Redland Coast Industry Forum. Additionally, she delivered Unimarket (powered by VendorPanel) training to staff at Somerset Regional Council, Invest Gold Coast and Goondiwindi Regional Council.

In May, Liz continued her high‑impact engagement program, attending an Elected Member Update at City of Gold Coast’s, meeting with their Chief Procurement Officer and fleet team, and attending Elected Member Updates at both Redland City Council and Scenic Rim Regional Council. She also presented at the Gympie Regional Council Supplier Forum and delivered a session at Redland City Council’s ‘Tendering for Business’ event.

Over the past few months, there was strong demand for Unimarket (powered by VendorPanel) training and increased interest in Local Buy Arrangements across fleet, ICT, disaster management, chemicals, and construction. The team expanded Local Buy’s footprint across remote, regional, and interstate councils, while strengthening relationships with elected members, economic development teams, and chambers of commerce. Their work continues to reinforce Local Buy as the trusted procurement partner for councils across Queensland and beyond.

Be sure to keep an eye on our Events and Training page for upcoming events.

For councils and other buyers, please reach out to your Engagement Manager if you would like them to conduct Unimarket (VendorPanel) Training.