OPTUS SUPPORTS TOWNSVILLE DEALER'S DONATION TO SEA TURTLE FOUNDATION

Local 'yes' Optus store owner to be star of new campaign

Local Townsville Optus franchisee, Peter Patchell, has been selected to star in a new national advertising campaign that recognises his investment in the local community.

Patchell is donating funding and equipment to Sea Turtle Foundation for a research program aimed at protecting and preserving the sea turtle population at Cleveland Bay.

Anthony Shiner, Optus Country General Manager, said selecting Peter's donation as the focus of the commercial was an easy choice and Peter's investment should be commended.

"We support our franchisees and encourage community investment and we are pleased that Peter's donation will help the Foundation learn more about these animals in an effort the help preserve their existence," Mr Shiner said.

David Roe, Sea Turtle Foundation Project Manager, said the investment would help the non-profit, non-government group to protect and conserve turtles, by fitting 10 turtles with a sonic transmitter device and tracking their movements for a year.

"Sea turtles around the world are threatened with extinction and Queensland's sea turtle population also in danger, Peter's investment in Sea Turtle Foundation is very important to us," said Roe.

"It will enable us to track the movements of sea turtles in Cleveland Bay, information that can assist local authorities in their environmental planning for the Bay," he said.

Peter Patchell, owner of 'yes' Optus shops at Stockland Plaza and Willows Shoppingtown, said the donation was something he is proud of.

"I'm out on the bay all the time and I've seen many sea turtles injured or killed and washed up on the shore," said Patchell.

The new television campaign, launching on Sunday January 17, will highlight the competition that has been brought to telecommunications by Optus through the quality network coverage and better value for residents of Townsville and surrounds.

To learn more about Sea Turtle Foundation, go to www.seaturtlefoundation.org

Note to Editor: Peter Patchell's Yes Optus shops are located in Stockland Plaza, Ross River Road Aitkenvale and The Willow Shoppingtown, Harvey Range Road, Thuringowa.

Media contact:
Joshua Drayton
Optus Corporate Affairs
Ph: (02) 8082 7850