OPTUS AND WESTPAC ANNOUNCED AS OFFICIAL PARTNERS OF NINE'S DROUGHT RELIEF APPEAL

CURRENT DONATION TALLY: $4,007,530

Telecommunications giant Optus and one of Australia’s biggest financial institutions, Westpac, have officially partnered with Nine’s FIGHTING FOR OUR FARMERS Drought Relief Appeal which has now raised a phenomenal $4,007,530.

This partnership will mean greater fundraising power to assist drought-affected farmers across regional New South Wales and Queensland who are struggling through the worst conditions in over 100 years.

Optus has set up a designated call centre at their Campus Headquarters in Macquarie Park, Sydney, with staff now answering and processing all donation calls via the 1800 732 165 hotline between 5.30am and 10.00pm AEST weekdays, and 7.00am to 10.00pm AEST this weekend.

The Optus call centre will be integral to Nine’s Farm Aid Telethon next Monday, August 20, with Optus staff, along with celebrities, answering phones and taking donation calls with live crosses to the phone room scheduled throughout the day-long telecast.

Optus Chief Executive Officer, Allen Lew, said: “Optus is proud to be supporting Channel Nine’s drought relief efforts and we encourage all Australians to donate what they can to help farmers in need.”

The partnership also welcomes Westpac’s initiative to accept donations to the Drought Relief Appeal through all their branches nationwide.

Westpac Group Chief Executive Officer, Brian Hartzer, said Westpac is delighted to continue its ongoing support of farmers and agribusinesses through Nine’s Drought Relief Appeal.

“All of our employees across Australia are ready to help and our branches are accepting donations from both our customers and the community.

“It’s important to remember that the drought affects all of us, directly or indirectly. Our agricultural industry plays a vital role in our economy and society, supporting 1.6 million Australian jobs and producing almost 93 per cent of our country’s food supply.”

All donations will continue to be administered by Rotary Australia and distributed to the organisations who can address the immediate needs of our farmers with the help of the National Farmers’ Federation. Money raised will assist with fodder and water supplies as well as helping farmers’ everyday living expenses.

Nine Chief Executive Officer, Hugh Marks, thanked Optus and Westpac for their willingness to join the campaign at this critical stage, and the viewers across the country for their ongoing support.

“It has been an incredible fundraising initiative so far with Aussies digging deep and donating. To raise more than $4 million in such a short period is a momentous feat. But our farmers urgently need more,” he said.

“To have the support of these big businesses, Optus and Westpac, means we are well equipped to take an influx of donations as we power towards our big Farm Aid Telethon on Monday. Let’s raise as much as we can for such a vital cause.”

DONATE NOW: todayshow.com.au
1800 732 165 (5.30am to 10pm AEST weekdays, 7.00am to 10.00pm AEST this weekend)
OR AT ANY WESTPAC BRANCH (during business hours)
NINE’S FARM AID TELETHON – MONDAY, AUGUST 20 FROM 5.30AM ON NINE & 9NOW

For further information please contact:
Peter Brennan - Nine Publicity
0438 805 816
pebrennan@nine.com.au