Deputy Premier John Watkins today announced the Iemma Government has joined with Optus to co-sponsor The Wiggles concert for UNICEF which will raise funds for water and sanitation projects for vulnerable children in East Timor.

Mr Watkins said the show at the Sydney Entertainment Centre on Sunday May 25 will raise money to help improve living standards for children attending five schools and villages in the East Timorese districts of Ermera and Liquica.

"I'm pleased the Iemma Government has the opportunity to be part of such a worthy project that will help some of the world's most vulnerable people in one of the world's poorest countries.

"We often take for granted that in NSW we have easy access to life's essentials like safe water and sanitisation facilities. It's important to recognise that not all children have that and we do what we can to help," he said.

The Iemma Government and Optus have each donated $20,000 to sponsor the concert which will feature special guests Jimmy Barnes, Kate Ceberano, Beccy Cole, Damien Leith, The McClymonts, Katie Noonan, Leo Sayer and Ross Wilson.

Mr Watkins said The Wiggles will donate all profits from the show to the UNICEF project, including all profits from ticket sales and merchandise.

"I commend Optus and The Wiggles for supporting the important work of UNICEF in helping to provide the children of East Timor with safe water and basic sanitisation," he said.

Optus Chief Executive Paul O'Sullivan said he was very pleased to support the show. "As an employer of more than 10,000 people throughout Australia, we believe we have a responsibility to help people in need and support worthy causes," Mr O'Sullivan said.

"I'm delighted to be working with the Iemma Government, and one of Australia's greatest exports, The Wiggles, in supporting work to reduce child mortality.

"It just shows you what can be achieved when the resources of government and the private sector can be teamed up to provide basic essentials for needy children," he said.
The Wiggles were named UNICEF Australia Goodwill Ambassadors in February this year.

Since then they have embarked on a number of activities and events to assist in raising awareness and funds for some vital UNICEF projects.

"UNICEF is the world's leading children's agency and tries to give all children, regardless of race or religion, the best start in life," Murray Cook, the red Wiggle said.

"It's worth pausing to consider that nearly 10 million children worldwide die each year before their 5th birthday from preventable causes like diarrhoea from unclean water and lack of vaccinations."

"We thought the best way to raise awareness of the work of UNICEF and to raise money for this specific project is to do what we do best - entertain children and put on a special Wiggly Concert," Anthony Field, the blue Wiggle said.

"It's wonderful that the Iemma Government and Optus have come together to support The Wiggles initiative to help the children of East Timor," Chief Executive of UNICEF Australia Carolyn Hardy said.

Background
Many children in Timor-Leste are suffering from diarrhoea due to unsanitary conditions and lack of safe water. In 2004, at least 42 per cent of households did not have access to safe water, while only 36 per cent of households had access to adequate sanitation facilities.

Diarrhoea ranks among the major causes of infant and child mortality. For every 1000 babies born in Timor-Leste, 47 die before their first birthday and 55 die before they turn five.

Media Contact:
Kate Mellis 0448 730 587 - Minister Watkins
Elizabeth Greene 02 8082 1132 - Optus Corporate Affairs