Telstra in the Community Contents

02 Connecting the disconnected 08 Building stronger communities 12 s napshot 2008/09 14 s upporting local economies 20 Backing our employees 26 m easuring community investment

Contact us Community investment is a component of Telstra's broader corporate responsibility commitment. For more information please visit www.telstra.com.au/cr. For more information on our community initiatives and to join the conversation please visit www.telstra.com/ideasforgood. Your feedback on this publication is welcome. Please email Julia Hellyer at [email protected]. Telstra has a proud tradition of enabling Australians to communicate with each other and participating in local communities all around the country.

Telstra touches nearly every Australian in some way – be they customers, shareholders or employees. We are active in virtually every local community around the nation. This is about who Telstra is as a company and demonstrates the commitment we have to this nation.

We invest in communities with our networks, products and services as well as the time and skills of our people. We help to connect the disconnected and we work to build and strengthen local economies. We also support our own people in the community initiatives that matter most to them.

We are proud of Telstra’s community activities, some of which are highlighted in this report, and of the important work we do in helping to contribute to the wellbeing of all Australians.

David Thodey Chief Executive Officer

February 2010 Connecting the disconnected

Telstra invests in services and programs that connect people with their families, friends and communities, and help to overcome barriers of distance and disadvantage through the use of information and communication technologies.

Telstra in the Community | Page 2 numbers, but one main and important 500,000+ feature is that this phone is particularly Access for Good Reasons useful for people with hearing aids,” Everyone Made said Liz Evans, President of Cochlear for Hearing Aid Implant Club and Advisory Association Possible Compatible (CICADA) Queensland, former board “Staying in touch goes to the very core member of Deafness Forum, and a of our existence. Irrespective of your Phones long time enthusiastic advocate for income or financial position, you should For 20 years, Telstra has been people with hearing impairment. be able to stay in touch with your family, engaging the community in a Telstra Manager Disability Services, friends and community.” consumer consultation program Bert Ciavarra, said that Australians Chris Dodds, Australian Council of Social which has led to many improvements with hearing impairment need mobile Service, Chairman of the Low Income and innovations in our products phones that are interference free. Measures Assessment Committee and services. “We’ve always promised the Next These include making mobile G™ network would be better than the Most people take their access to handsets more accessible to the more previous mobile networks – with less modern, affordable communications than 500,000 Australians with hearing interference and greater coverage – services for granted. However, there aids. While mobile handsets on the and this commitment extends to the are many who struggle to afford the Telstra Next G™ mobile network do specific needs of the people in our basics and in Australia there are over not generally cause interference with community with hearing impairment,” 1.6 million households with a very hearing aids, members of the Deafness he said. low disposable income who are at Forum and Better Hearing Australia, risk of isolation. both represented on the Telstra Through our Access for Everyone Disability Forum, told us they wanted Did you know? programs, Telstra provides a better hearing aid compatibility in our In 1996 we formalised our commitment comprehensive package of products mobile phones. to enhancing telecommunications and services to assist people on a low And we listened. The specifications for people with disability by becoming income or in financial hardship to for the EasyTouch Discovery 1 and 2 one of the first major Australian stay in touch. mobile phones, launched in late 2008 corporations to lodge a Disability “The programs are based on the and 2009 respectively, included an Action Plan with the Human Rights belief that a sense of connectedness Australian-first requirement for an and Equal Opportunity Commission. is fundamentally important to excellent rating (based on a US In 2010, following an independent individual, family and community rating system) for hearing aid review of performance against actions wellbeing for all Australians. This compatibility in both microphone in our Fourth Disability Action Plan includes older people, job-seekers, and telecoil settings, which was to 2007–09, we will be preparing our Indigenous communities, as well as be laboratory tested and verified. Fifth Disability Action Plan 2010–2012. people with disability,” said Robert To ensure the end user experience Morsillo, Telstra Group Manager was consistent with the lab test findings, For more information visit Consumer Affairs. we tested the prototypes with people www.telstra.com.au/disability access for Everyone programs with hearing aids at the 2009 Better include lower-cost telephone services, Hearing Australia Annual Conference. Sadly, Better Hearing Australia National discounts for eligible pensioners, The results confirmed the lab test President and Telstra Disability Forum emergency relief options such as findings and all participants who member Alan Keir passed away on 20 assistance paying Telstra bills and tested the EasyTouch Discovery 2 said August 2009, after a long battle with provision of phone cards, as well as they would recommend the handset cancer. “Alan worked tirelessly and pre-paid mobile handsets and starter to other people with hearing aids. Their effectively to improve the lives of people kits for people who are homeless. feedback included comments like: with hearing impairment and will be The success of the programs “The first mobile I can use!” remembered as a knowledgeable, depends largely on our partnerships “As clear and useable as any fixed passionate and compassionate with around 4,000 community agencies line phone. Perhaps better!” advocate,” said Bert Ciavarra, a long across Australia, who make use of “Very surprising result. Clear, no time collaborator and friend. Telstra the services provided by Telstra for buzzing, noise or interference.” is grateful for the opportunity to have their clients. “The Telstra Easy Touch Discovery worked with Alan over a long period “The real benefit is gained through mobile phone not only includes many to help drive change and improve our the use of telecommunications for useful features for people to use in a products and services for Australians social, personal and family wellbeing,” simple manner including large print with hearing impairment. said Sue McAleer, Access For Everyone Project Manager.

Did you know? In 2008/09, we provided assistance to more than one million low-income customers to connect or maintain their communication services. The total benefit provided exceeded $180 million. Since 2002, we have provided over $1 billion in concessions and benefits.

For more information visit www.telstra.com.au/accessforeveryone

Telstra in the Community | Page 3 Anne Baldwin is one of many older Leeton Shire residents who have been getting tips on how to get the most out of their mobile phones, thanks to a grant from Telstra and a program delivered by the CWA; caption and image courtesy of The Irrigator, Leeton NSW, 31/03/09

with Hanwood, Griffith to come Thinking young only Telstra followed by session throughout way to stay in touch Connected the Murrumbidgee Lachlan Group, Terry McCarthy isn’t ashamed to admit including Hillston and Goolgowi. his eight-year-old granddaughter Seniors® Telstra has provided resources and knows a fair bit more about today’s Telstra Connected Seniors® is a Mrs Bailey will aim to complete 15 to technology than he does. tailored program created to help 20 sessions by the end of April. She From sending a text-message, to older Australians learn how to make said most seniors have mobile phones using the internet, the Maryborough the most of new technology. It and just need someone to show them resident, in his early 70s, has never felt supports seniors’ community groups the “ins and outs” of the technology. the need to keep up to speed – until with grants ranging from $5,000 to “What I’m really pleased about is doing now, that is. $50,000 to run educational workshops pre-emptive text when SMSing and I “It was starting to feel like on using mobile phones and the know so many younger people who everything was going past me,” he internet in a fun, friendly peer don’t do it,” Mrs Bailey said. said. “I wanted to learn how to use a environment. Here is how the “We are taking and sending photos computer to stay in touch with my program is making a difference and generally getting the most out of kids and grandkids.” to older people across Australia. the technology. I try and group people up so Mr McCarthy, a member of the so they can send each other messages.” Maryborough Probus Club, decided Joining the techno revolution Courtesy of The Irrigator, Leeton to join club members in Telstra’s Country Women’s Association (CWA) NSW, 31/03/09 Introduction to the Internet workshop members will be able to SMS with the for seniors last Friday. “I’m going away best of the best of the youth across the Workshops help make with much more than I came with,” he region thanks to a program of learning seniors text savvy said. “So far, it’s been of great benefit.” sessions. With grants from Telstra, the Territory seniors now have the chance mr McCarthy said one of the CWA will be teaching seniors across to keep up to date with the latest hardest parts to grasp was internet and the district all about their mobile mobile communications technology. computer terminology. He said he was phones and keeping them up to date Workshops, conducted by the NT looking forward to the next meeting with the technology. Council on the Ageing in collaboration in two weeks, “The fact is that I don’t murrami CWA member Libby Bailey with Telstra’s Connected Seniors think you’re ever too old to learn.” has taken on the task of teacher for program, will teach seniors how to Courtesy of the Fraser Coast Chronicle, the program. “Telstra gave CWA a grant send text messages with their mobile Hervey Bay QLD, 19/10/09 to train seniors in the use of mobile phones, save contacts and make phones, to learn more about them and mobile calls. Did you know? keep apace with the technology of “At the end of the workshops, Since the program’s inception in 2007, modern communications,” Mrs Bailey seniors will be able to impress their we have provided over $1.3 million of said. “We are also doing the internet grandchildren by being able to send grant funding to 188 community and emails to inform people of what and receive text messages, personalise organisations to assist 45,000 older uses they have.” their phone and take photos and Australians to feel a sense of mrs Bailey started with a session videos,” said Denise McGrath from accomplishment by getting online at her home branch, Murrami, has the Council on the Ageing. and using their mobile phones. done Barellan and two at Yanco, Courtesy of the Northern Territory News, Darwin NT, 20/06/09 For more information visit www.telstraseniors.com.au

Telstra in the Community | Page 4 Jon says that iModelling Social Creative Groups participants reported an Technologies increased sense of self-esteem and belonging. “There is no known cause Help Children or cure for autism but there is so With Autism much that can be done to increase a child’s quality of life through greater South Australian children with an social contact and stronger Autism Spectrum Disorder (autism relationships,” Jon said. or Asperger syndrome) are developing “We’ve seen some great their social and conversation skills engagement from the young people thanks to a cutting-edge video involved... The group format allows modelling program run by Autism for really positive bonds to form. SA and supported by the Telstra Participants are mastering the Foundation with a $224,000 grant ability to relate to each other and over three years. converse with people in a similar By tailoring technology to the situation to the role playing,” specific skills and needs of children he added. with autism – through the use of video at the conclusion of the three- role-playing and online tools such as year program, Autism SA hopes to a comic strip conversation creator and package it up to assist other groups a storytelling forum – the iModelling to deliver technology-based social Social Groups program helps them development programs. learn and navigate the social world and better understand the people Did you know? around them. In 2008/09, over $4.8 million in funding “Children with an Autism Spectrum was provided through the Telstra Disorder can experience developmental Foundation to more than 1,200 delays in the areas of communication, projects. Since 2002, the Foundation social and emotional understanding. has supported over 6,000 projects This includes initiating peer contact, and programs to the value of over making and maintaining friendships, $32 million. and suffering from bullying and abuse,” said Jon Martin, CEO of For more information visit Autism SA. www.autismsa.org.au and www.telstrafoundation.com.au

Telstra in the Community | Page 5 was stranded between St Andrews station, shipped in from Tasmania. Saluting and Kinglake on Black Saturday. Phill Sporton, Executive Director Telstra’s michael Pulford from Telstra’s Service Delivery, was there to thank Network Construction team and a the crew who powered it up. Software Unsung Heroes CFA volunteer for 10 years, cheated was loaded, and Strathewen received “I had the privilege of seeing our death by huddling in his CFA truck its first mobile coverage. Pat handed Telstra team in action as they worked with two others as a firestorm swept out his last Telstra mobile phone as tirelessly to reconnect services in some of over them near Upwey. “It is one of one more dazed survivor walked by. Victoria’s worst affected bushfire those things where a lot of things A local told us he had lost his father, regions. While nothing can compensate are happening in a short period of his brother and his home, and his for the terrible loss that occurred across time and you just kick into automatic sister was in intensive care. Phill the state, I am extremely proud of pilot, your training then takes you followed him and gave him his own Telstra’s immediate and cohesive into survival mode,” he said. phone.” response to the fires and especially mick Flower, doing double-duty the tireless work of our people in the during the bushfires as a Telstra Did you know? field, who to me, are amongst some of Communications Technician and a ≥ One hundred and seventy three the true, unsung heroes.” CFA volunteer, fought the devastating lives and thousands of Victorian Paul Crisp, Telstra Corporate Affairs fires in the Gippsland region and in properties were lost in the Black Manager VIC/TAS Wilsons Promontory. Describing the Saturday bushfires. fires he reflected, “Sobering is the ≥ Telstra’s mobile and fixed Broadcasting only word I can think of. Pictures on networks were damaged and Telstra emergency alerts television and in the paper only give technicians were quickly deployed Peter Cornish is a Telstra Network an idea of the devastation the fires to repair damaged infrastructure, Manager and chairman of Yarra have caused. Indiscriminately, houses reconnect households and establish Valley FM 99.1, a community radio have been destroyed, while additional mobile coverage in station and the local emergency neighbours may have been remote areas using transportable services broadcaster. Peter describes untouched.” Cells on Wheels. how he used Telstra’s various ≥ Telstra’s team in the 000 Call Centre networks to deliver emergency The recovery begins worked tirelessly to manage over broadcasts and alerts. Bob Beresford, Southern Region 31,000 calls received on Saturday “On Saturday 7 February, the Service Delivery Director, Telstra 7 February. phone did not stop ringing with Operations, and Grant Wilshire, ≥ Thirty five Telstra Country Wide® people throughout the bushfire Telstra Country Wide® Executive employees were deployed to affected areas asking for information Director Southern Region, were emergency relief centres established and advice. Our BigPond Internet instrumental in driving Telstra’s across Victoria to help customers streaming connection was saturated response and recovery efforts after affected by the fires. with about 10 times the number of Black Saturday. They received the ≥ Telstra distributed more than 1,000 online listeners than usual. Telstra CEO Community Award for mobile handsets free of charge and “One of our initial issues was leading our team to reconnect the set up more than a dozen free getting timely messages from the affected communities. internet kiosks at community Country Fire Authority (CFA) and “When I drove into the bushfire centres across the state. the Department of Sustainability area I saw the terrible destruction ≥ Telstra waived almost 25,000 bills and Environment (DSE). To speed first hand. Amongst it all were our for thousands of customers in fire things up, we set-up a special BigPond Service Delivery people, making sure affected areas and supported email address hooked into my Next our exchanges and mobile sites kept communities by converting 60 G™ mobile phone and registered the running, our technicians repairing payphones so they provided free email address with the various CFA our networks, and the Telstra Country local and STD calls. and DSE Incident Control Centres. Wide® team, working one on one with ≥ Telstra and our people contributed Each time they sent out an alert, it customers who have lost everything. more than $1.5 million to the came up as a text email message on They were some of the very first, Victorian Bushfire Appeal, while my mobile phone, which I then along with emergency services, to employees volunteered to work in broadcast on the radio. help out in the early hours and days Telstra call centres that were used to . “Yarra Valley FM kept our after the fires,” Bob said. coordinate public pledges of support. community very well informed with “What mattered during this critical ≥ Since the fires, Telstra has invested both fire advice and emergency period was that all parts of Telstra over $15 million to repair and upgrade assistance, and we wouldn’t have came together without prompting – its networks in affected areas, been able to do it nearly as well many aspects, many business units including establishing four new without Telstra’s networks.” and many staff,” added Grant. exchanges in Marysville, Narbethong, laurence Webb, Telstra General Kinglake and Kinglake West, and In the line of fire Manager Network Enterprise Services, to build new mobile network base Telstra supports our people who describes when he accompanied stations to provide permanent and volunteer their time with emergency Pat O’Beirne, Telstra Country Wide® improved mobile coverage to areas service organisations. In times of General Manager Melbourne, to such as Strathewen, St Andrews disaster, Telstra offers special leave Strathewen six days after Black and Arthurs Creek. for employees to protect their family Saturday. ≥ As a further response to disasters, and property and, where possible, to “Strathewen was ground zero – Telstra developed new innovative assist with the relief efforts. not a house stood in the town centre; technologies, such as the Mobile andrew Wright, a Telstra veteran the school was a wreck, and molten Exchange on Wheels (MEOW) of 23 years and a CFA volunteer for metal lay in pools next to burned out and the Telstra Emergency 12 years, was awarded a Chief Officer’s cars. Everyone we met had lost Communications Kits (TECK), Commendation by the CFA for his friends and most had lost family. 300 of which have already been role in leading the Wonga Park “The hum of a generator came deployed to emergency service volunteer fire brigade to rescue the from the top of the hill; a Telstra organisations. North Warrandyte brigade which Cell on Wheels (COW), a mobile base

Telstra in the Community | Page 6 A reliable telecommunications network is paramount in any disaster relief effort as it not only provides a vital link for emergency service organisations but also keeps family and friends connected during the most trying of times. Paul Crisp, Telstra Corporate Affairs Manager VIC/TAS

AAP image Building stronger COMMUNITIES

Telstra’s networks, products and services, along with our people’s skills and knowledge, support initiatives which build and strengthen the capacity of community groups and organisations to more effectively deliver their services and promote positive social change for all Australians.

Telstra in the Community | Page 8 Special rates Supporting Promoting for special Stronger corporate organisations smarter responsibility For many years Telstra has been futures Since 2006, Telstra has partnered with helping Australian charities and not- the Royal Melbourne Institute of for-profit organisations* make their School principals and leaders across Technology (RMIT) to teach young limited funds go further for their Australia are learning ‘stronger, business people about corporate clients or members. smarter’ ways of educating Indigenous responsibility. We support three rates of around half to one third students, thanks to the Stronger Smarter specific units each year and senior the usual monthly service cost (for Institute, formerly the Indigenous Telstra managers deliver weekly fixed line telephone services) mean Education Leadership Institute. presentations to RMIT’s Masters of that these Telstra customers can Supported by the Telstra Business Administration students choose to save this money and apply Foundation with a $1.2 million grant as part of the program. The course it to other areas of their operations, over three years, the Stronger Smarter helps to develop a group of young or get more services from their Leadership program, which began in business people who are aware of communications budget. 2007, develops leadership capacity in the challenges and relevance of mission Australia is one of thousands key school staff and community corporate responsibility to their own of organisations using the savings members, and teaches them skills business practice and performance. from these special rates to invest in to engage Indigenous students. “Involving corporate executives in leading technologies. The organisation The program aims to help ensure the program enables students to see is using the Telstra Next G™ network Indigenous students stay in school the real business world, admire a role for a range of wireless data, mobile longer and gain better future model and add to existing knowledge and voice solutions. For example, the employment opportunities. through their own research… This network is helping Mission Australia Participants commit to the program subject is regarded as one of the case workers input and access client for 12 months, attending a five day highlights of the present RMIT MBA data in urban, regional, rural and residential course, school-based program,” said Associate Professor remote locations from their laptops, initiatives and follow-up workshops. Erica Hallebone, RMIT Graduate anywhere in the country. This saves They gain a clear connection to School of Business. time, allowing for more direct Indigenous perspectives and issues, in 2008/09, Telstra Group Manger interaction with clients and more time a heightened awareness of their power Community Investment, Maria for other activities such as writing and responsibilities as leaders and a Simpson, contributed to a working funding applications and reporting. smarter grasp of the possibilities and group that helped design and develop “When we quantified the benefits, potential in their school communities. a post graduate diploma and masters we found that on average, every case The program is facilitated by program in corporate responsibility worker saved 69 hours or something Stronger Smarter Institute staff, under for LaTrobe University’s Graduate like two weeks a year, in administration the guidance of the program’s creator School of Management. time. A saving of 69 hours per case Dr Chris Sarra. As principal at Cherbourg Facilitated by the Australian Centre worker would translate to nearly State School, Chris had unprecedented for Corporate Social Responsibility, a 35,000 hours per year, which is that success with the ‘stronger, smarter’ small representative group of leading much time we can give to our clients,” philosophy, achieving a 94 per cent corporate responsibility practitioners said Santana Khurana, Project Manager, drop in unexplained absenteeism. considered a range of issues these Mission Australia. “We have to challenge Indigenous courses required; for example, how Tim Morris-Smith, Mission Australia kids’ views about their future. We have to balance the rigour of a university CFO, said that the rationalisation of to teach these students to have high course with practical relevance to the the mobile workforce brought about expectations,” he said. business people undertaking them. increased productivity in excess of $1 “Once the students realise school The group applied their knowledge million a year to the organisation, can be fun and that turning up and of the subject matter and experience which enabled them to redistribute participating can be a rewarding and in the business world to help ensure funds to the point of need, working positive experience, the change is that the course addressed corporate more effectively to help more clients. amazing, and the battle to give them responsibility in a practical and a decent future is half won.” pertinent way as an integrated, Did you know? To date, over 330 school and whole of business consideration. In 2008/09, Telstra provided special community leaders have participated rates to over 143,000 fixed lines to the in the Stronger Smarter Leadership Did you know? value of $29.8 million in savings to our program and begun to implement Telstra has reported on corporate charity and not-for-profit customers. their learning in their schools. responsibility for the last seven years. The reporting covers our economic, Did you know? social and environmental contributions Following the positive results achieved and performance, and is intended to by the Institute to date and thanks provide comprehensive information to Telstra Foundation support, the to the full range of Telstra’s Federal Government has committed stakeholders. $16.4 million to the Stronger Smarter Learning Communities project to For more information visit extend it throughout Australia. www.telstra.com.au/cr

For more information visit www.strongersmarter.qut.edu.au and www.telstrafoundation.com.au

Telstra in the Community | Page 9 ‘SuperClubbers' from Kingswood Primary School and St Joseph the Worker Primary School in Melbourne are learning how to keep themselves safe online

Super cyber ‘SuperClubbers’ can talk to local and their online technology skills and global audiences, but are protected by online citizenship. These kids are safety with a sophisticated mix of software tools, learning even when they don’t SuperClubsPLUS intelligent systems and highly know they are,” Martyn said trained mediators. Australia superClubsPLUS Australia allows Did you know? young people to safely explore their In 2009, the Telstra Foundation Over 100,000 Aussie kids are identity and reach out to each other. committed a further $3 million over connecting with each other and ‘Super Hot Seats’ also provide the three years towards its Spotlight on learning how to keep safe online opportunity for kids to talk with Cyber Safety program, bringing the thanks to SuperClubsPLUS Australia significant adults in online forums. value of its investment in youth cyber (SCPA), a kids-only social network. The In 2009, hot-seat guests included safety to $6 million over six years. Telstra Foundation has committed $1.5 children’s authors Andy Griffiths and Telstra also has a long-standing million over three years to help rollout Morris Gleitzman, Antarctic explorer commitment to cyber safety. We have SCPA across the country as part of its and conservationist Jason Kimberley, a dedicated Officer of Internet Trust Spotlight on Cyber Safety program. scientist Dr Karl Kruszelnicki and senior and Safety and the Internet Trust and sCPA addresses growing female Qantas pilot Davida Foreshaw. Safety Working Committee to ensure community concerns about cyber Dr Martyn Wild, internationally a coordinated response to cyber bullying and harassment, as well as recognised e-learning expert, cyber safety issues across the company identity theft. Keeping children safe safety advocate and project leader, and to support cyber safety initiatives online is a concern for all parents and says that the children also learn and educational programs. We also the website offers a positive and very practical ways of how to keep provide information, tools and tips on practical solution. It is similar to themselves safe online. how to stay safe online on our website. Facebook or My Space, except that it “Children build their own web is completely safe, only for six to pages, communicate with friends in For more information visit 12 year olds, and is both fun and Australia and around the world, and www.superclubsplus.com.au and educational. Access to the site is get involved in any number of online www.telstra.com.au/cyber-safety only possible through schools where projects designed to help develop

Telstra in the Community | Page 10 Helping to keep Aussies safe in the water Telstra has been in partnership with Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA) since 2003, recognising the crucial role local surf clubs play in building safer and stronger local communities. The Telstra Beach to Bush surf safety program is an innovative education program which involves experienced and highly qualified surf lifesavers volunteering to travel to regional primary schools to teach important basic surf and water safety messages. In 2008/09, the program reached more than 30,000 primary school children in more than 300 regional schools around Australia in an attempt to increase awareness of, and minimise the risks associated with, the surf and local waterways. This year, for the first time, classes will use live video conferencing to experience the beach – see where the flags are and find out how to look for rips. “Surf Life Saving Australia has a goal of zero preventable deaths at beaches around the coast and the education. This includes the new Telstra Beach to Bush program is Rewarding $15,000 three-year Telstra Country particularly important to achieving young talent Wide® Indigenous Scholarship for this goal. SLSA statistics unfortunately Indigenous students living in remote show that beachgoers who live more in regional and regional areas. than 50km from the beach are over communities “We have seen some wonderful represented in drowning statistics. If success stories where, with our support, all beachgoers observe the five basic Telstra Country Wide® (TCW) is the students have overcome obstacles and steps to ensure safety at the beach, local face of Telstra across Australia. completed their studies,” said Michael surf lifesavers such as myself will have TCW people work with and for the Sharpe, Telstra Country Wide® Area a quieter time when on surf patrol,” said local communities Telstra operates in, General Manager North Coast. Zane Holmes, dual World Ironman out of 50 locations across the country. and in the Northern Territory, Champion and Telstra Beach to TCW supports hundreds of activities we have been supporting the Telstra Bush ambassador. and initiatives throughout the year that Remote Indigenous Student of the “This is a vitally important strengthen local communities. While Year Award for the past four years to grassroots education program which the range of activities is wide and the recognise the hard work and dedication can save many lives over the summer scope of support varies – be it financial of talented Indigenous students in surf season,” said Michael Rocca, or the provision of products, skills or remote areas, and to encourage Telstra’s acting Chief Operations services – the end result is always them to pursue higher education. Officer. “Telstra’s support of the Beach the same; TCW aims to make a Kingsley Murphy, a student of the to Bush program is just one example community better off. Maningrida Community Education of our commitment to providing For example, we invest in numerous Centre in North Central Arnhem Land, tangible opportunities to regional initiatives which recognise and reward won this prestigious award in 2009, communities across Australia.” talented young people who are future receiving the highest recognition from leaders of their communities. the NT Board of Studies, along with Did you know? in Western Australia, we have $1,000 from TCW to put towards his We are also helping our customers supported the Sports Star of the future education. Subsequently, support their local surf clubs. Through Year Awards in the Goldfields and Kingsley was a finalist in the NT Young the Answer the Call campaign, Telstra Esperance, for six and four years Australian of the Year Awards. contributes $30 for every new respectively. These awards recognise connection to an eligible Next G™ the pivotal role that sport plays in Did you know? mobile or BigPond Broadband service young people’s lives and the positive TCW, in partnership with the Aboriginal to a participating surf club of our impact that participating in sport at Employment Strategy, is helping five customers’ choice. In the summer of any level has in building a sense of young Indigenous people realise their 2008/09, the program contributed over community. job aspirations. Trainees located in $250,000 to 205 clubs right across in New South Wales, we have regional offices in Darwin, Townsville, Australia. Already, the campaign for long supported undergraduate and Canberra and Geelong are currently the summer of 2009/10 has contributed Honours scholarships at Southern completing their Certificate III over $135,000. Cross University to emphasise the in Business. importance of access to a university For more information visit www.telstra.com.au/beinvolved

Telstra in the Community | Page 11 SNAPSHOT 2008/09

143,237 1,234 Fixed lines provided at special rates to Projects funded by the Telstra Foundation our charity and not-for-profit customers to make a positive and lasting difference to the lives of children and young people

30,000 Disability consumer groups represented Primary school children educated on at the Telstra Disability Forum surf safety through the Telstra Beach 12 to Bush program

4,180 Women recognised through Years supporting Indigenous artists the Telstra Business Women’s as major sponsor of the National 18Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Awards nomination process Art Award

Telstra in the Community | Page 12 SNAPSHOT 2008/09

m+ 24,780 Low-income customers received Bills waived for customers in fire 1assistance to connect or maintain their affected areas after Black Saturday` communication service through our Access for Everyone programs

3,163 625Grants made to local community Small and medium businesses recognised organisations that involve the through the Telstra Business Awards children of Telstra employees nomination process through Telstra’s Kids Fund

1,100 Telstra employees, family and friends Community organisations supported helped raise money to find a cure for 79with Telstra Connected Seniors® grants diabetes by participating in the Juvenile to run educational workshops for older Diabetes Research Foundation’s Walk to Australians on using mobile phones Cure Diabetes and the internet

Telstra in the Community | Page 13 Supporting Local ECONOMIES

Telstra assists in the development and growth of Australian communities by supporting local business initiatives and the business people behind them, with an emphasis on good business practice and economic prosperity.

Telstra in the Community | Page 14 Small health Thriving business named businesses Australia’s best crucial to local A Victorian business which has communities developed an innovative coaching program to improve the lives of people Established in 2000, Telstra Country with chronic illnesses was named the Wide® (TCW) is the local face of 2009 Telstra Australian Business of Telstra across Australia. the Year. We understand the importance The COACH Program, devised by of successful, thriving businesses to Dr Margarite Vale, is a telephone local communities – they provide delivered coaching program to help employment, generate income and people with illnesses such as coronary help sustain towns and their surrounds. heart disease and diabetes better That is why we support and encourage manage their health and lifestyles. hundreds of local business initiatives; As the Program is based on evidence from sponsoring tourism and of how patients have responded in development opportunities, to controlled trials, its proven credibility providing telecommunications services means it has the potential to grow or volunteering time for events which and be rolled out in public and private bring businesses and people together. health systems around Australia For example in Western Australia, and overseas. we sponsor the Chamber of Commerce “It has been a rewarding challenge Business Awards in Northam, to translate a program developed from Esperance and Kalgoorie-Boulder to research into a commercial product reward successful, small businesses, over the years, but to be recognised and recognise the important role they as a business by the prestigious play in local business development. Telstra Business Awards provides us We also support other regional with the opportunity to take The chambers of commerce across COACH Program to another level,” the country. Margarite said. in South Australia, we helped bring Telstra CEO David Thodey said together the Limestone Coast Area that The COACH Program was a Consultative Committee, a key great example of an innovative small facilitator of change and development business playing a fundamental role in the region and the link between in Australian society. the Australian Government, business “Businesses like The COACH and the community. We supported Program and the other state and the Committee by providing a past national finalists capture the Telstra Business Women Awards powerful entrepreneurial spirit in this winner as a guest speaker at their country and celebrate the people who International Women’s Day Dare form the very foundation of our to be Different event. economy,” David said. in Victoria, we provide the Golden “They are the reason why Telstra Beach Fishing Association with an continues to support these awards internet WiFi broadband hot spot so year in and year out. These awards that the community, a small are about recognising and rewarding settlement on the beautiful Ninety the talent and determination of Mile Beach in Gippsland, “can surf small businesses and helping them the net and the waves at Golden achieve even greater success.” Beach”, as advertised on a local website. For the past five years, we Did you know? have also sponsored the annual The Telstra Business Awards, Golden Beach Fishing Competition. established in 1992, are Australia’s and in Inverell, New South Wales, pre-eminent national awards program we have been supporting the Telstra for small and medium businesses. Country Wide® Sapphire City Festival The Awards help to celebrate the for the last seven years. The Festival achievements of businesses across is a week long event of exhibitions, Australia and recognise small and performances and sporting events medium businesses as the foundation that brings visitors to this remote and of the Australian economy. More than rural area. Our employees who also 3,100 businesses were recognised live and work in the region provide through the 2009 nomination process. extra support to the Festival by volunteering their time. For more information visit www.telstrabusinessawards.com Did you know? In 2008/09, Telstra Country Wide® supported hundreds of community organisations across Australia through the provision of funds, products, services, skills and time to the value of almost $1.3 million.

Telstra in the Community | Page 15 Kick-starting young music careers Australia’s next generation of country music stars can kick-start their music career through the Telstra Road to Tamworth competition. First launched in 2003, the competition takes place each year in thirteen locations right across Australia. In addition, the digital heat, introduced in 2009, is for those that live more than 400km from a physical heat location. The overall winner is selected from all the heat winners and announced at the final stop, the Tamworth Country Music Festival. When crowned the 2008/09 winner, Peter McWhirter said, “To be up here on stage, hearing my songs played the way I’ve always dreamed was just an awesome experience. Winning this prize can only mean bigger things ahead for my career.” indeed, Peter has enjoyed tremendous success since winning the competition. As part of his Telstra Road to Tamworth prize, Peter performed at one of the biggest music festivals in the world – the Country Music Association Music Festival in Nashville USA, where he also recorded material for his debut album, Humm, released in December 2009. Additionally, Peter has performed his fresh and exciting contemporary country music as a live support act for Sir Elton John, Thirsty Merc, Matchbox 20 and Chris Isaak. acting Group Managing Director Telstra Consumer, Glenice Maclellan, said that Telstra is committed to ensuring the ongoing success of the country music genre. “Telstra is proud to give talented young musicians the chance to reach for the stars and get that elusive break into the music industry,” Glenice said. Photo by Paul Spencer Peter McWhirter, 2008/09 Telstra Road to Did you know? Tamworth winner, getting into the groove In 2009, we introduced Telstra Keep the Music Playing, a program designed to promote musical development around Australia by offering a music equipment grant to one community group in each heat region visited during the Telstra Road to Tamworth competition. Each grant consists of musical instruments to the value of $3,500 and is made possible by our partner Billy Hyde Music.

For more information visit www.telstra.com.au/beinvolved

Telstra in the Community | Page 16 Gina Rinehart, 2009 Telstra Australian Business Woman of the Year, with family

international relations. Catherine is Chief Research Scientist at Recognising “There are exciting times ahead for CSIRO, Australia’s largest government Australian Australia, especially for companies research organisation. As one of at the forefront of developments Australia’s top applied physicists, women in with Asia. Both China’s and India’s she has achieved international business economies are forecast to double in recognition in her field, particularly the next decade, and we are well for the commercialisation of systems Since 1995, the Telstra Business positioned as a nation to forge for mineral exploration, which has Women’s Awards have celebrated valuable and fruitful relationships,” contributed to the discovery of more the journeys of some of Australia’s Gina said. than six billion dollars’ worth of most inspirational women including mines worldwide. entrepreneurs, innovators, up-and- Rhonda Brighton-Hall, Luxottica – coming young business women, Hudson Private and Corporate Sector Dr Emma Cassar, Corrections Victoria, corporate leaders and those working Award Winner Department of Justice – marie claire in the not-for-profit sector. As Senior Vice President of Human Young Business Women’s Award Winner in 2009, a record 4,180 women were Resources and Communication, Asia Emma was the first female and the recognised through the nomination Pacific and Africa, Rhonda influences youngest person to ever transition from process. We congratulate the following the working environment of 8,500 forensic psychology to an operations deserving and outstanding winners employees regionally. She leads the management role within the Victorian for their contributions to the development and implementation prison system. Innovative policy and Australian economy: of strategy in people, culture and astute decision–making has seen communication for a company that Emma promoted rapidly over a five Gina Rinehart, Hancock Prospecting in her region alone has a turnover of year period, and she now finds herself Pty Ltd – 2009 Telstra Australian more than one billion Euros. General Manager of the Women’s Business Woman of the Year and Prison System in Victoria with Commonwealth Bank Business Romilly Madew, Green Building responsibility for all functional areas Owner Award Winner Council of Australia (GBCA) – White of the Victorian women’s prison system, Gina took over the family business in Pages Community and Government managing a budget of $22.3 million. 1992, and has successfully transformed Award Winner it from a small prospecting company As Chief Executive Officer, Romilly’s Did you know? to a growing mining house with a biggest business achievement has been The Telstra Business Women’s Network pipeline of projects in Australia, growing a small industry association is an exclusive online community providing opportunities for local into an influential, internationally comprising 500 past Award winners communities and Australians for recognised organisation tackling the which has been designed to foster decades to come. issue of reducing greenhouse gas ongoing personal and professional “In being honoured with this award, emissions. The GBCA aims to develop development amongst its members. I pay tribute to the many thousands a sustainable building industry and It is our way of connecting some of of Australians working in the pastoral, promote green building practices. Australia’s most successful and mining and resources industries of influential women with each other. which I am proud to be a part. It’s Dr Catherine Foley, Commonwealth exciting to witness the increasing Scientific and Industrial Research For more information visit role of women in these businesses, Organisation (CSIRO) – Nokia Business www.telstrabusinesswomensawards.com particularly as we enter a new era in Innovation Award Winner

Telstra in the Community | Page 17 Investing in Indigenous artists Telstra has been the major sponsor of the National Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Art Award (NATSIAA), or the Telstra Art Award as it has become known, for the last 18 years. Our support has allowed hundreds of Indigenous artists from across Australia gain the recognition they deserve and offers economic benefits to their communities. “What you always see in Aboriginal art is stories. Those stories are being told all across the country; artists are talking about their progress in life. The Telstra Art Award allows for them to be brought together in one space to have that conversation,” said Franchesca Cubillo, former curator of the Award. The internationally recognised Award has been a major catalyst in the growth of Aboriginal art and has helped develop an Indigenous arts market estimated to be worth up to $500 million per annum to the Australian economy. Since 1991, in addition to our sponsorship of the Award, Telstra has given $500,000 in prize money directly to the winners to support their artistic endeavours. “Telstra is committed to developing opportunities for Indigenous Australians and Telstra’s work, with the Northern Territory Government in particular, has enabled the extension of broadband access into Arnhem Land to a number of remote Danie Mellor, From Rite to Ritual, mixed media on Indigenous communities, providing paper, h 207 x w 154 cm, winner Telstra Art Award, 26th Telstra National Aboriginal & Torres Strait artists new avenues with which to Islander Art Award 2009; image courtesy of the market their art and communicate Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory with buyers,” said Brett Riley, Group Managing Director Telstra Country Wide®.

Did you know? From Rite to Ritual by Danie Mellor, 2009 Telstra Art Award winner, explores the encounter and fragile co-existence between Indigenous and non-Indigenous, or settler cultures. In this artwork, the meeting place is the interior of a Freemason’s lodge and the work highlights the importance of secret and public ceremony and initiation in both cultures; it speaks of the challenges of settlement and the differences in spiritual enactment and belief.

For more information visit www.telstra.com.au/beinvolved

Telstra in the Community | Page 18 Indigenous children who have benefited from programs supported by the Telstra Foundation

the Goolarri program adopts the unique “One of the long term objectives Digital media approach of engaging Indigenous of the program is to skill these kids to up-skilling for youth to learn alongside their elders. a level where they can partner with Indigenous mentors teach the students Goolarri staff on commercial projects Indigenous how to use new technology to record so both participants will be paid for YOUTH and broadcast stories of their cultural their contribution and Goolarri will heritage, giving the young people a make money which will be put back The Balyarr Open Learning Centre voice in local media – on radio, TV into the Centre to sustain it,” she said. (OLC) in Western Australia has thrown and online. open its doors to local children in the The program further encourages Did you know? Broome and Kimberley community to participants to take part in accredited Since 2002, the Telstra Foundation has teach them digital media skills. The training in media, multimedia and supported more than 90 community OLC, part of Goolarri Media Enterprises, business, thus gaining a recognised projects worth over $9 million to help is a groundbreaking Indigenous qualification to assist with future improve the health and education multimedia and performing arts employment opportunities. outcomes of Indigenous children centre that showcases the oldest “An in-depth knowledge of digital and young people. living culture in the world. media will help our young people supported by the Telstra Foundation gain educational qualifications and For more information visit with a $563,000 grant over three years, a place in the workforce,” said Jodie www.gme.com.au/ataglance Bell, CEO, Goolarri Media. and www.telstrafoundation.com.au

Telstra in the Community | Page 19 Backing Our Employees

Telstra is proud of the contributions our employees make to the community through their voluntary giving of skills, knowledge, effort and money. Telstra encourages these contributions by supporting community initiatives in which our people are involved and that matter most to them.

Telstra in the Community | Page 20 Online legal Yabbering on advice to youth Telstra people from all walks of Telstra life are busy telling their stories on The Telstra Legal team, in association Yabber, our online meeting place. with Mallesons, has been involved with Yabber is an internal site where the National Children’s and Youth Law employees can start a conversation, Centre (NCYLC) since 2007. NCYLC is a share and celebrate their involvement community legal centre which offers in the community, as well as highlight online legal advice to children and their personal interests, triumphs young people through the LawStuff and causes. website and LawMail. The site has been designed to lawStuff provides general advice encourage individuals to write and on common legal issues affecting submit their own stories in their own young people such as drugs, bullying words, and has been developing and trouble with the police. LawMail organically from the grassroots up allows young people to seek legal with over 450 published stories since advice and referrals by email. the launch of the site in 2009. Yabber eighteen Telstra Legal employees also includes news about Telstra’s in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney sponsorship, community, environment participate as cyber-volunteer lawyers and diversity activities, and the who update and maintain the LawStuff Telstra Foundation. website, and read and respond to The site played a key role in Telstra LawMails. They volunteer two hours employees reaching out to each other each month either from their desk in the in the aftermath of the Victorian office or at the nearest Mallesons office. bushfires by posting over 100 special “Children and young people are messages of support, coordinating amongst the most vulnerable in our donations and drives, organising community. They have limited volunteers and Telstra providing resources and can find it difficult continuous updates on our response to access quality legal advice. and relief efforts. “I’m so glad that Telstra gives its “I love reading the amazing, lawyers an opportunity to do pro bono heartfelt and incredible stories that work. It’s really satisfying using my people have chosen to share with skills to help people who otherwise Yabber and the generous responses couldn’t afford access to legal resources. and interactions of the Telstra audience. "The pro bono work I do with NCYLC We work in an organisation whose is very interesting and the challenge mantra is all around connecting people of advising children in a friendly and there is an awesome synchronicity and easily understandable way in enabling connections on a different really sharpens my communication level inside the organisation,” said skills,” said Telstra Legal Counsel Telstra Online Communications Fiona Robson, who coordinates Specialist Amy Seymour. Telstra’s involvement with NCYLC. Did you know? Did you know? In addition to Yabber, Telstra people Telstra Legal has a strong commitment contribute to many other company- to pro bono and volunteering activities. wide online forums and websites, The team also actively participates including: our corporate blog, Telstra in a mentoring program for Exchange; our CEO blog, the CEO’s desk; disadvantaged Year 9 students [T]ideas, an internal site dedicated in Western Sydney and English to generating new ideas for a better conversation classes for migrants Telstra; Yammer, an online network run by Melbourne’s Adult of Telstra people; and corporate Multicultural Education Service. news stories.

For more information visit www.ncylc.org.au

Telstra in the Community | Page 21 Telstra cyclists meet at Federation Square in Melbourne for the annual Ride to Work breakfast; L-R, Russell Lang, Barry Campbell, Phillip Taylor, Robert Netherway, Simon Clarke

Tackling climate committing to reduce one tonne of entails employee participation in their carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions Sustainability Victoria’s Greenhouse change in a year. To date, over 600 Telstra Games, Clean Up Australia Day and women have made the pledge. Ride to Work Day. In 2009, Telstra announced a target to “I am extremely proud to be a 1 ride to Work is a behaviour change reduce our carbon emissions intensity Million Women ambassador. I believe program that encourages employees by at least 10 per cent by 2015. Tackling that the power of women with a to commute to work by bicycle and the effects of climate change is not common vision can truly make a experience the health, financial and only important to us as a company, difference – for our children, our environmental benefits of riding. Telstra but also to our employees, that is planet, our future. This is a tangible has won the ultimate participation why we support environmental way to play our part,” Andrea Grant, challenge three years in a row by having initiatives in which our people can Telstra Group Managing Director the highest number of participants. In get involved. Human Resources, said. 2009, over 700 employees in more than Telstra’s ‘Eco-champions’ group, “This campaign reflects principles 35 workplaces registered nationally. with members from across the that I and Telstra hold dear: that by company, was created in 2007 and working together, individuals can make Did you know? now has over 560 members. a real difference, and that through the All Telstra employees who lease a Eco-champions receive regular smart use of telecommunications, we vehicle through our salary sacrifice communication, are encouraged to can help Australia tackle climate scheme pay a contribution to provide their suggestions for a ‘greener’ change,” added ambassador Amanda Greenfleet to offset the emissions workplace and are instrumental in Johnston-Pell, Telstra Executive their vehicle creates by planting promoting environmentally friendly Director Brands and Marketing native forests. Telstra has engaged behaviours and events in their Communication. Greenfleet since 2003 with the aim to workplaces. They disseminate Telstra also runs an internal offset 100 per cent of the emissions information and gather support for GreenChallenge program which aims created by the salary sacrifice fleet. In initiatives such as Earth Hour, World to educate employees on how they 2008/09, Greenfleet committed to Environment Day and the 1 Million can reduce their carbon footprint, planting over 110,000 native trees,

Women campaign. encouraging them to use technology offsetting 30,000 tonnes of CO2 on The goal of the 1 Million Women to reduce and re-think business behalf of Telstra employees. campaign is to inspire one million travel, and raise awareness of the Australian women to take positive environmental impacts of daily For more information visit action against climate change by office activities. GreenChallenge www.telstra.com.au/cr

Telstra in the Community | Page 22 Liam Cullinan, a student at Our Lady of Victories Primary School in Camberwell VIC, visits the Keeping our museum in Melbourne history alive Telstra’s historical collection consists of thousands of artefacts, photographs and documents representing the development of telecommunications in Australia over the past 150 years and the significant role Telstra and its predecessors played in this. The collection is managed by small groups of dedicated volunteers, largely past and current Telstra employees, who have committed themselves to keeping Telstra’s history alive. The volunteers spend hundreds of hours each year collecting, fixing, organising, cataloguing and displaying the collection for public viewing, and are a great example of how volunteering can provide value not only to the wider community but also to the volunteers themselves. museums in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney are open to the public and volunteers guide visitors through interactive displays which bring to life the progression of telecommunications over the decades. doing blood sugar finger pricks and among the many groups to visit Stepping out insulin injections, taking everything in 2009 were children form Our Lady of to find a cure in her stride.” Victories Primary School in Camberwell Fleur Rake, Telstra Consumer VIC. Ken Hosking, a retired Telstra In 2009, over 1,100 Telstra employees, manager, participated in the JDRF employee and volunteer tour guide at family and friends participated in the Walk with her daughters, Jessie, Ally, the museum in Melbourne, provided Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation’s Isabelle and Charli. the kids with a hands-on experience (JDRF) Walk to Cure Diabetes, which “Jessie has been living with type of using the old telephones and raises money for research to find a cure 1 diabetes since she was 11 and she watching how a call was delivered for type 1 (juvenile) diabetes. For the amazes us every day with her courage. through the step by step exchange past five years, the Telstra Operations We hope that one day she will be able technology. group has coordinated participation to go a day without finger pricks and hands down the most interesting across the country, encouraged Telstra insulin injections – for this to happen part of their visit was seeing the employees to get involved and walk, research is critical,” said Fleur. telegraphers in action demonstrating and raised in excess of $220,000 for Kevin Vickers, CEO Telstra Plus and Morse code. “It was the best excursion the cause. national team captain, highlighted and ever,” wrote one young participant approximately 140,000 Australian recognised the incredible effort the who concluded his note with a people have type 1 diabetes with Telstra teams make each year. statement accurately presented in 2,000 more diagnosed every year. “Their dedication is unwavering, Morse, a skill learned during his visit. Many Telstra employees and their from extensive pre-walk fundraising families are affected by this fast activities to coordinated Telstra t-shirts, Did you know? growing chronic disease and the water bottles and caps on the day. The volunteers whose working lives JDRF Walk provides an opportunity They look great – and PROUD! It just were dedicated to telegraphy refer to join with colleagues, family and keeps getting better and better each to themselves as 'Morse Codians' friends to celebrate hope and progress year. It is truly wonderful to see Telstra and are retirees from Telstra in its towards a cure. people coming together to help others previous form as the Postmaster ilaria, seven-year-old daughter of in need, in true Telstra style,” he said. General’s Department or Telecom. Telstra Enterprise and Government A small group of them meet at the General Manager Vince Del Tito, was Did you know? museums to practise their very unique first diagnosed with type 1 diabetes Telstra employees are actively skill, communicating in Morse code, four years ago. Since then, her days involved in numerous fundraising with fellow practitioners across have revolved around a series of blood events across Australia such as Australia, and to stay connected with tests to monitor blood sugar levels, Movember, World’s Greatest Shave, colleagues from their much-loved, which she bravely does herself, and Parkinson’s Unity Walk, Pink Ribbon past working life. insulin injections. Day, Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea, “Illaria is determined not to miss RSPCA Cupcake Day, Jeans for Genes out on anything, participating in after and others. school sporting activities nearly every day to help stabilise her sugar levels,” For more information visit said dad Vince. “She is very brave when www.jdrf.org.au

Telstra in the Community | Page 23 also thanked the P&C for helping The Home Secrets of Pallara Telstra’s with the application and their Marsupials project is the brainchild Kids Fund continued support. of project co-ordinator Ruth Miller and Courtesy of the Mudgee Guardian, has been realised with the financial Telstra’s Kids Fund is an employee Mudgee NSW, 30/10/09 support of Telstra and the Pallara directed giving program that provides State School Parents & Citizens grants of $1,200 to local community Kicking new goals Association (P&C). organisations that involve the and other lures infrared cameras have been participation of a child or young Children at Coral Park Primary School strategically placed in the top of person directly related to a permanent in Hampton Park will soon be kicking possum and glider boxers and the Telstra employee. The grants are goals with help from a $1,200 Telstra footage is being directly streamed into managed by the Telstra Foundation Foundation grant. The money will the year four classroom. The students and support a broad range of allow the school to replace vandalised monitor and observe the life of the initiatives and projects across education, wooden goalposts. One of the posts gliders and possums and have the sports and recreation, arts and culture, was sliced in half by machete-wielding benefit of digital recording so they environment, health, disability and vandals more than a year ago. can observe them exiting and entering cultural diversity. Here is how some school sports teacher Bill Hains the boxes at all hours of the day. of the grants are making a difference. said the damaged posts made gary Goldsworthy of Telstra said playing interschool sports difficult. Pallara State School was on the School plays to beat “We’ve had to use portable “cutting edge of technology” and of a new drum goalposts for our interschool sports it was hoped that with continuing Rylstone Public School has been able until now,” Mr Hains said. The new financial support from Telstra and the to put the final touches on their school posts – made of steel – will give the P&C, the footage would be accessed band after receiving a new drum kit school a more professional look and by students right around the world. from money granted by Telstra’s Kids allow children to practise goal kicking. This project has been a real labour of Fund. The fund contributed $1,200 to Construction should start within a month. love for Pallara’s year four teacher, the school to help encourage children and children’s lives at Berwick Jonathan Clark, who has spent many into music and school principal Alan Kindergarten and Southern Cross hours of his time making sure his Kerr said it was great to see the band Primary School will be enriched with students have the benefit of state- finally come together. similar $1,200 grants. The kindergarten of-the-art learning opportunities in “We only started the school band will improve its garden while the school this, Pallara’s 50th anniversary year. this year and the children have been will buy new musical equipment for Courtesy of The Satellite, Ipswich making great progress from the tuition its school band. QLD, 26/08/09 they have been provided,” he said. Courtesy of the Berwick Leader, “The previous drum kit was a Berwick VIC, 24/06/09 Did you know? second hand donation and now we In 2008/09, the Telstra Foundation have a brand new drum kit which Possum education made 625 Telstra’s Kids Fund grants has added some excitement and in the classroom totalling $750,000 to support local given the band a fresh look.” Pallara State School students are community organisations that mr Kerr also thanked Telstra's Kids understanding more about possum involve the children of Telstra Fund for their help and especially local and glider life on a minute to minute employees. Telstra employee Jeff Bowles who was basis thanks to the support of Telstra the man behind the application. He and the use of infrared cameras For more information visit positioned in possum boxes. www.telstrafoundation.com.au

Telstra in the Community | Page 24 David Quilty, Telstra Group Managing Director Public Policy and Communications, recognising Telstra employee Dr Ron Thompson for his involvement with the YMCA of Canberra Sailing Club by presenting a grant to the club's acting CEO Andrew O'Neil; L-R, Ron Thompson, Andrew O'Neil, David Quilty

found some time in his busy schedule entertaining show! We perform for Rewarding to visit the YMCA Sailing Club, meet the residents of local nursing homes and leadership and CEO of the YMCA of Canberra and retirement villages for the aged and present the cheque to the sailing club. disabled. We get the older people up volunteering The equipment bought by this grant to dance to the music and sing along to The Telstra Foundation Community will be used for many years by hundreds the songs. We have a lot of fun putting Connection program recognised Telstra and hundreds of budding young sailors. on our shows and the old people in the employees’ contribution and efforts Telstra has had such a profound effect audience just love them so much. They in the community by providing on Australian communities over so say it transports them back to their Leadership Grants, valued at $1,000 many years. That is why I am proud youth. Many don’t get out much and each, to community organisations to be part of Telstra and the team they say our performances help them where a Telstra employee is a board that makes it so great.” get through their day. And that’s what or management committee member, Dr Ron Thompson, Data Solution keeps us going.” and Volunteering Grants, valued at $250 Specialist, Telstra Enterprise and Susan Grant, Network and each, to not-for-profit organisations Government, started with the Infrastructure Environment Team, where a Telstra employee has Postmaster General’s Department eight years with Telstra volunteered their time. Here is how 36 years ago some of the grants are making a Did you know? difference. “In 2009, I received a Community In 2008/09, the Telstra Foundation Connection Leadership Grant for made 582 Community Connection “The Telstra Foundation has donated SongBirds, a Sydney-based musical grants totalling $377,250 to support a Community Connection grant to the theatre group I founded. The grant was the community organisations in YMCA of Canberra Sailing Club where used to build up our props and scenery which our people are involved. I am the Commodore. David Quilty department, essential to putting on an

Telstra in the Community | Page 25 Measuring community investment

Telstra’s annual contribution to the community in 2008/09 was valued at $65.2 million by the London Benchmarking Group (LBG). LBG provides a global standard to measure and benchmark corporate community investment, and reports on members’ contributions. Currently more than 200 companies participate in the LBG process globally. The below graphs and figures provide a break-down of Telstra’s 2008/09 contribution, and are benchmarked, where applicable, against the 42 member companies of LBG Australia/New Zealand.

By type of community investment‡ By form of contribution Charity and not-for-profit discounts $29.8m Community sponsorships, programs and initiatives $17.2m Disaster relief $6.6m $35.7m Telstra Foundation grants $4.8m In-kind Environmental sponsorships, programs and initiatives $1.2m $24.1m Employee engagement $0.9m Cash $2m Time Telstra Connected Seniors® grants $0.6m $3.4m Other $0.7m Management*

Contributions as a percentage of pre-tax profit† Contributions as a percentage of total revenue† Telstra 1.00% Telstra 0.26%

LBG benchmark 0.77% LBG benchmark 0.11%

Contributions per FTE employee† Management costs as a percentage of total contribution† Telstra $1,669 Telstra 5.1%

LBG benchmark $653 LBG benchmark 7.3%

‡ Excludes management costs * Value of employee salaries and company operating, publicity and communication expenses to the programs † Calculations based on total Telstra contribution of $65.9 million which includes New Zealand contribution ($0.7 million)

The total benefit provided by Telstra’s Access for Everyone programs, which offer assistance to our low-income customers, was valued at over $180 million in 2008/09. This figure is not included in Telstra’s LBG contribution of $65.2 million because the Access for Everyone programs are regulated by the government uniquely for Telstra and, as such, LBG regards them ineligible for submission.

Telstra in the Community | Page 26 Index Community organisations, programs and initiatives 1 Million Women 22 Our Lady of Victories Primary School 23 Aboriginal Employment Strategy 11 Pallara State School 24 Adult Multicultural Education Service 21 Parkinson’s Unity Walk 23 Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea 23 Pink Ribbon Day 23 Australian Centre for Corporate Remote Indigenous Student Social Responsibility 9 of the Year Award 11 Australian Council of Social Service 3 Ride to Work Day 22 Autism SA 5 Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology 9 Balyarr Open Learning Centre 19 RSPCA Cupcake Day 23 Berwick Kindergarten 24 Rylstone Public School 26 Better Hearing Australia 3 Sapphire City Festival 15 Chamber of Commerce Business Awards 15 SongBirds 25 Cherbourg State School 9 Southern Cross Primary School 25 Clean Up Australia Day 22 Southern Cross University 11 Cochlear Implant Club and Sports Star of the Year Awards 11 Advisory Association QLD 3 St Joseph the Worker Primary School 10 Coral Park Primary School 24 Stronger Smarter Institute 9 Country Fire Authority 6 SuperClubsPLUS Australia 10 Country Music Association Surf Life Saving Australia 11 Music Festival 16 Sustainability Victoria’s Country Women’s Association 4 Greenhouse Games 22 Deafness Forum 3 Tamworth Country Music Festival 17 Department of Sustainability Victorian Bushfire Appeal 7 and Environment 6 World Environment Day 22 Earth Hour 22 World’s Greatest Shave 23 Golden Beach Fishing Association 15 Yarra Valley FM 99.1 6 Goolarri Media Enterprises 19 YMCA of Canberra Sailing Club 25 Greenfleet 22 Young Australian of the Year Awards 11 Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission 3 International Women’s Day Telstra programs Dare to be Different 15 and initiatives Jeans for Genes 23 Access for Everyone 3, 13, 29 Juvenile Diabetes Research Answer the Call 11 Foundation’s Walk to Cure Diabetes 13, 23 Community Connection 25 Kingswood Primary School 10 Eco-champions 22 LaTrobe University 9 GreenChallenge 22 Limestone Coast Area Low Income Measures Consultative Committee 15 Assessment Committee 3 Maningrida Community Telstra Art Award 18 Education Centre 11 Telstra Beach to Bush 11, 13 Maryborough Probus Club 4 Telstra Business Awards 13, 15 Mission Australia 9 Telstra Business Women’s Awards 13, 17 Movember 23 Telstra Business Women’s Network 17 Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory 18 Telstra Connected Seniors® 4, 14 National Aboriginal & Torres Telstra Disability Forum 3, 14 Strait Islander Art Award 13, 18 Telstra Foundation 5, 9, 10, 13, 18, National Children’s and 19, 21, 25, 26 Youth Law Centre 21 Telstra Keep the Music Playing 17 NT Board of Studies 11 Telstra Road to Tamworth 17 NT Council on the Ageing 4 Telstra’s Kids Fund 15, 25