Optus celebrates a year of community engagement

As we step into 2025, Optus celebrates the momentum built through last year’s community engagement initiatives across Australia. From Brisbane to Perth, we connected with diverse groups, fostering meaningful relationships and supporting vibrant local events.

The Localisation Team have laid a strong foundation for continued partnerships, and we are excited to build on this success in the year ahead. Here's a look back at some of the contributions that shaped our journey.

Optus hosted the Canberra Business Chamber’s July networking night, which saw 140 local business leaders gather for an evening of collaboration and engagement. It  was an excellent opportunity to connect with the business community, gaining valuable insights into how Optus can make a positive impact at the local level.

In early September, Optus joined as a sponsorship partner for Canberra’s iconic Floriade Festival, which brought in just shy of 500,000 attendees. Our interactive setup included a soccer station, giveaways and free seed packets to help people start their own garden, resulting in 3,000 interactions and over 1,300 positive engagements. Optus's presence spanned three weeks, building community ties and receiving enthusiastic feedback.

As part of its partnership with Invictus Australia, a leading nonprofit organisation dedicated to strengthening the health and wellbeing of veterans and their families through the power of sport, Optus participated in the Invictus Defence Community Sports Day. Optus set up an interactive soccer dartboard among activities like drone racing and archery. We engaged with over 1,000 attendees, celebrating the strength and spirit of the defence community.

Supporting local football teams Tuggeranong United FC, South Canberra FC, and Woden FC from June to August, Optus's sponsorships included the weekly ‘Optus Team of the Week’ awards and on-site game day activations. With activities like coffee giveaways and a soccer dartboard, we connected with fans and players, celebrating community football and local talent.

At Townsville’s James Cook University, the Big Ideas Youth Expo gathered students from 15 schools to brainstorm sustainable solutions. Our general manager served as a mentor, supporting students in crafting innovative pitches and underscoring Optus’s dedication to fostering the next generation of environmental stewards.

At Brisbane’s annual Green Heart Fair, Optus took on a key role as a supporter, focusing on sustainability. We led activities in the Family Zone, sharing our own journey toward eco-friendly initiatives while providing movies and free smoothies. Engaging with 20,000 attendees, we highlighted practical ways to live sustainably alongside the city’s top eco-experts.

As part of Townsville’s annual Disaster Ready Day, Optus joined the local government in educating the public about storm preparedness and connectivity during extreme weather. Our Satellite Communications trailer exhibit showcased critical communication tools for tropical regions, emphasising our commitment to community resilience.

As part of the Gold Coast 500 Supercars weekend Optus connected with fans including students from the Toogoolawa School who were given the amazing opportunity to get exclusive access to the Supercars paddock, Walkinshaw Andretti United (WAU) garage and meet the team from WAU and get a pit tour hosted by WAU CEO, Bruce Stewart.

As a long-time supporter, Optus was proud to sponsor this year’s Gympie Music Muster held on 22-25 August. Optus has provided network services to the event for half the event’s 40-year history and was onsite again providing festival goers with mobile coverage despite the remote location.

As the naming rights partner for the three-day Optus Active Lifestyle Festival, part of the larger Brisbane Cycling Festival, Optus helped energise the community with a vibrant expo in Brisbane's Inner suburbs. Drawing over 7,500 attendees, the event was a hit among fitness enthusiasts and families alike, rounding out the school holidays with excitement and activity.

To prepare North Queensland for the 3G network shutdown, Optus presented at the Mount Isa and Townsville Economic Zone Forum (MITEZ), where we discussed connectivity solutions for rural areas. This effort underlined our dedication to keeping even the most remote communities connected.

In October, the Parramatta Lanes Festival featured four nights of art, music, and community engagement, where Optus welcomed attendees to enter a special art competition. Over 263 entries and enthusiastic feedback reflected Optus's positive reception. With the festival’s tagline "Eats. Beats. Art.," our presence highlighted the importance of connectivity and creativity in a thriving community.

Optus proudly sponsored LocalKind Northern Beaches, a community-driven organisation providing vital support to vulnerable individuals facing homelessness, domestic violence, and refugee settlement challenges. Through tailored, trauma-informed assistance and early intervention programs, LocalKind empowers families, youth, and children to build resilience and secure brighter futures. With a welcoming community hub that connects people to essential services and material aid, LocalKind plays a critical role in fostering well-being across the Northern Beaches.

Optus signed up a major sponsor to Celebrate the 39^th year of the much-loved Granny Smith Festival. Drawing thousands of attendees, the festival featured amusement rides, market stalls, food trucks, performances, a youth zone, and kids’ activities, all culminating in a spectacular fireworks finale. With over 200 stallholders, 500 performers, and 1,000 participants in the grand street parade, the Granny Smith Festival showcased the vibrant character of the local community.

Optus proudly supported Kincumber Roos FC, a family-oriented football club with deep roots in the Central Coast’s local community. As part of the sponsorship, Optus engaged with players and fans through game-day activations, including giveaways and interactive activities that celebrated the club’s vibrant spirit. Established in 1984, Kincumber Roos FC has grown to welcome players of all ages and continues to foster a love of football across the region.

We partnered with regional chambers of commerce in Albury Wodonga and Wagga Wagga to support local businesses and celebrate their achievements. As the naming rights sponsor for the Optus Albury Wodonga Business Awards and the Optus Golden Crow Awards in Wagga Wagga—aptly named after the meaning “place of many crows”—Optus recognised and celebrated excellence within these vibrant business communities. Throughout the year, we participated in business networking events, demonstrating our commitment to being a local supporter and advocate for regional growth, giving our Localisation Team the opportunity to highlight Optus network improvements in these areas, ensuring greater connectivity and supporting regional businesses in thriving and staying connected.

Optus is committed to helping shape a stable economy and vibrant business landscape that drives innovation, creates jobs, and strengthens communities across New South Wales through our partnership with Business NSW, an independent, not-for-profit organisation dedicated to advocating for the wellbeing and growth of the business community. Through this partnership, Optus actively contributes to fostering a thriving business environment by supporting evidence-based policy solutions and championing issues that matter to Australian businesses. With a focus on connecting enterprises of all sizes—from startups to leading corporations—Business NSW provides invaluable networks, resources, and advocacy to ensure businesses prosper.

October’s Halloween on the Green was a spooky, fun-filled event that Optus supported. The annual event held on Mount Dandenong helps raise funds for local schools and is hosted by The Philanthropic Group. Local MPs joined the celebration, and Optus’s Victorian general manager shared words of gratitude, underscoring the importance of our community partnerships.

In a magical winter-inspired event, Optus partnered with Dandenong City Council to bring snow to Springvale, where over 40,000 attendees celebrated Snowfest. This family-friendly festival brought a touch of winter to Melbourne, creating joyful memories and strengthening our community bond.

Wyndham Diwali Festival

As the exclusive telecommunications sponsor of Wyndham Diwali, one of Melbourne’s largest cultural celebrations, Optus celebrated the richness of multicultural unity. The event, attended by 25,000 people, allowed us to share in the festival of lights and demonstrate our commitment to community inclusion.

Optus is proudly sponsored Olinda Community House, a vibrant hub offering a diverse range of courses, workshops, and activities that connect and empower the local community. As a leading community connector in the Dandenong Ranges, Olinda Community House creates pathways for individuals to live fulfilling lives while embracing the contributions of dedicated volunteers. By fostering purposeful partnerships and adapting to the evolving needs of the community, the organisation has become a cornerstone of local engagement and opportunity.

In Perth, Optus partnered with Football Bhutan WA, supporting Perth’s Bhutanese community by providing free coffee and hosting game-day activities. This partnership fostered community connections and showcased our dedication to supporting local sports and diversity. Additionally, through our sponsorship of Canning City FC, Optus supported grassroots football, highlighting the importance of community sports in Western Australia. Game-day activations engaged fans and showcased Optus's local network.

Supercars driver and Optus ambassador Chaz Mostert dropped by Balga Senior High School to share insights about cybersecurity and digital awareness through the Optus Digital Thumbprint Program.

The complimentary school-based program helps promote responsible online behaviour and digital citizenship through interactive learning sessions, educational materials, and resources designed for youth and their households.

The racing champion's visit included Walkinshaw Andretti United's chief executive Bruce Stewart, and students got an up-close look at both Mostert's Number 25 Ford Mustang GT race car and the team's transport vehicle.

Our partnership with the Scarborough Night Markets brought family movie nights to one of Perth’s iconic beaches, where visitors could enjoy community entertainment after exploring local stalls. Running every fortnight, this initiative was a hit in the winter months, providing much-loved community gatherings.

Optus made waves at the Geo Bay Swim, proudly sponsoring the Geo Bay Swim - Yahava KoffeeWorks Cool Water Classic. Along the stunning 20km course from Dunsborough to Busselton Jetty, the Optus Localisation Team cheered on swimmers tackling the epic journey, while adding to the fun with post-swim beach football. The event was a vibrant celebration, featuring beach parties, fuel-up stations, swim swaps, and lively entertainment throughout the day. Supporting Parkinson’s WA, whose impactful work inspires the community, Optus was privledged to be part of this coastal tradition and help kick off summer in style.

During the festive season, Optus brought holiday cheer to communities across Australia through its Christmas activations. With a presence at over 20 community events nationwide, including carols, movie nights, and holiday festivals, Optus demonstrated its commitment to creating meaningful connections during the moments that mattered most. From the Magic of Christmas in Hurstville to Christmas Festival at WA’s Optus Stadium and Ballarat’s Carols by Candlelight, the festive events offered something for everyone. By supporting local organisations and engaging with communities, Optus proudly helped spread joy and build lasting relationships throughout the holiday season.

As we reflect on the incredible milestones achieved in 2024, Optus is energised to continue building on these successes in the year ahead. In 2025, our focus will expand even further, with an emphasis on fostering connections through philanthropy and supporting charitable groups that make a real difference in our communities. We will deepen our engagement with cultural events, celebrating the diverse traditions and vibrant stories that unite Australians. Grassroots sports sponsorship will also take centre stage, as we continue to champion local talent, strengthen community ties, and encourage active lifestyles across the nation.

These efforts will enable us to create even more opportunities for collaboration, inclusion, and positive impact. With every step forward, Optus remains committed to connecting communities and supporting moments that matter for all Australians.