OPTUS SAYS 'YES' TO GENERATION NEXT

Kids Helpline talked to almost 300,000 young people in 2008, family relationships were the main area of concern

Optus in conjunction with Kids Helpline announced today its support for Generation Next - a public seminar series aimed at exploring the unique pressures, needs and sociological challenges facing Australian teenagers, adolescents and parents.

Generation Next is a unique new event with expert presenters including Dr Michael Carr-Gregg, Adolescent Psychologist; Dr Sally Cockburn, GP and Health Commentator; Paul Dillon, Drug and Alcohol Research and Training Australia and Wendy Protheroe, Kids Helpline General Manager.

Kids Helpline has worked with Optus to develop the www.talktoyourkids.com.au website, aimed at parents and includes a range of practical and straightforward information, tools and tips to help parents better understand their children's world - a key topic of discussion at the seminar.

"Optus has worked with Kids Helpline since 1999, supporting the establishment of the world's first free real-time online counselling sessions. During our relationship, we have helped raise more that $3.2 million, ensuring they can continue to provide support to children and young people across Australia," Jann Kohlman, Optus Group Manager, Sponsorship and Community Programs said.

"Optus connects friends, family and communities every day via its products and services and with our Kids Helpline relationship, we saw an opportunity with Generation Next to extend the awareness about the valuable service they provide for youth and the community," Ms Kohlman said.

Dr Ramesh Manocha, Generation Next founder and GP, said "Generation Next is a national parenting seminar series that gives families and people working with youth, access to Australian experts. By attending you will walk away armed not only with expert insights into issues confronting young people, but workable answers to problems," he said.

The seminar session details are:

• Sydney: 23 May 2009, University of NSW
• Melbourne: 13 June 2009, Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre
• Adelaide: 27 June 2009, Adelaide Convention Centre
• Brisbane: 5 September 2009, University of Queensland
• Perth: 28 November 2009, Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre

For more information visit: http://www.gennextseminars.com/

Media contact:
Tracy Woodley
Optus Corporate Affairs
Tel: (02) 8082 7850