OPTUS AND KIDS HELP LINE ARE LISTENING THIS CHRISTMAS

For the seventh year running, Optus is proud to be supporting Kids Help Line assist children in need, especially at Christmas.

Optus will run an extensive media campaign to get the message out that kids can access Kids Help Line via a free call or the internet, 24 hours a day - seven days a week.

Optus will help build awareness of Kids Help Line's on-line and telephone services through the community service announcements 'Toy Story'; radio advertisements 'Ring-a-Rosie' and 'Georgie Porgie'; press; outdoor advertising and avant cards.

Jann Kohlman, Optus Group Manager, Sponsorship and Events said Optus was proud to be a major supporter of Kid's Help Line by providing not only a physical link but also an important emotional link to children at what can be a difficult time.

"Optus' aim is to ensure kids know that Kids Help Line counselling services are available over the summer period. Christmas can be a difficult time for kids, so at this time of the year in particular, it's important that we use Optus resources to promote the Kids Help Line service," Ms Kohlman said.

Optus has worked with Kids Help Line since 1999 and supported the establishment of the world's first free real-time online counselling sessions. With Optus' support, Kids Help Line provides young people with a choice in how they talk to counsellors - whether it's by phone or online. The service is free, confidential and anonymous.

"Our objective with Kids Help Line is simple - we want to help connect kids to the support they need," Ms Kohlman said.

Young people aged 5-25 years can call Kids Help Line as a freecall on 1800 55 1800 or log on to www.kidshelp.com.au. All calls made to Kids Help Line from any Optus mobile phone are free.

Note to Editor:
The service aims to empower young people by assisting them to develop options, identify and understand the consequences of a particular course of action, facilitate more productive relations with family and friends, and provide information on local support services. Kids Help Line counsellors are fully qualified professionals who undergo additional accredited training at Kids Help Line.

Pictures of the advertising campaign available on request.

Media contact:
Natalie Kitchen
Optus Corporate Affairs
Phone: +61 2 9342 8138