Telstra today announced it will provide community groups in Southern Qld and Northern NSW with grants expected to total at least $250,000 to help support flood recovery.
Telstra CEO Andrew Penn said that as part of the organisation's overall support for flood-affected communities, the Local Flood Grants would provide either cash or technology to the value of up to $10,000 to eligible local groups.
This is in addition to Telstra's broader support program for customers which it expects to run into several million dollars.
"These floods have been devastating and our hearts go out to everyone impacted," said Mr Penn.
"Our local Telstra teams have been on the ground working around the clock to get communities back online as quickly as possible. As part of the community, we know how important supporting each other during these times is and we wanted to reassure people we'll be there as they recover and rebuild.
"Volunteers have been giving their time in really difficult conditions to keep their local communities safe. Whether it's the SES, lifesaving or sporting clubs, Rotary, Probus, groups of neighbours or even strangers - volunteers have been pulling together to rescue people, give them shelter, provide them with a hot meal and clean clothes and making sure they are cared for.
"Many of our techs and frontline customer service teams live in these communities and are members of these organisations. We want to do our part to support them and provide practical support for the volunteers who are so often the ones meeting community needs and responding to Australia's natural disasters.
"We hope the Telstra Local Flood Grants will provide the kind of grassroots assistance many communities need - whether it's covering the cost of new equipment, providing technology to help keep people connected, replacing sporting gear that has been ruined, or supporting those who support the most vulnerable in our community."
