Cable & Wireless Optus is the principal sponsor of this year's Antipodes Festival, the largest Greek community festival in Australia.

The Antipodes Festival is also the world's biggest celebration of Greek culture outside Greece. It offers a diverse program of events and exhibitions which promote cultural exchange and emerging Greek-Australian talent.

"Cable & Wireless Optus is a keen supporter of the Greek community", said Paul Donovan, Chief Commercial Officer, Cable & Wireless Optus.

"The Greek community forms a very large and important part of Australia and is the third largest Greek community outside of Greece. The Greek community is a significant part of the Cable & Wireless Optus customer base and we are very pleased to be giving something back through our sponsorship of the Antipodes Festival," said Mr Donovan.

George Fountas, Chairman, Antipodes Festival Board said "We are very glad to be dealing with Cable & Wireless Optus. We hope this relationship can continue and be beneficial for both parties."

Optus Vision's new Greek channel GATV, to be launched by the Prime Minister, John Howard on 25 March, will broadcast live from the festival. And the company will announce three special "Greek ambassadors" to participate in the festival celebrations - Olga Yi (ex SBS), Nick Loupos (radio announcer) and Christos Ioannidis (entertainer).

This sponsorship is one element of the Cable & Wireless Optus focus on the Greek Community. In November 1998, the company launched a series of Melbourne-based information seminars, tailored specifically for the Greek community. Since then 10 information seminars in Greek (and in non-technical language) have been delivered to more than 1, 500 Greek elderly citizens.

"Choosing the right mobile plan or identifying the best long distance or pay TV provider can be difficult, especially for members of non-English speaking communities. Our seminars aim to ensure audiences are aware of the communication choices and benefits available in today's competitive marketplace," said Mr Donovan.

In addition, Cable & Wireless Optus sponsor a number of Greek community associations and events including the Greek Elderly Citizens Association of Melbourne & Victoria and the Estia festival in Hobart.

For more information:
Melissa Favero
Cable & Wireless Optus
Phone: 02 9342 5030
Email: melissa.favero@cwo.com.au