How Communify partnered with Optus to enhance mobile connectivity for frontline services
Empowering community support for Communify with seamless mobility and connectivity Founded in 1978, Communify is a vital force and not-for-profit in Brisbane, providing wrap-around services for individuals experiencing housing insecurity, mental health challenges, financial hardship and inadequate social support. What started as a small volunteer-led community centre has grown into a diverse and active organisation, with over 260 staff mostly remote, supporting thousands across Brisbane’s northern and southern suburbs.
With a dispersed workforce across 12 sites and growing demand for mobile-first support, Communify needed a reliable, flexible, and cost-effective mobility solution to keep their teams connected. By partnering with Optus, Communify has strengthened their ability to support the community, ensuring frontline staff and clients remain connected whenever and wherever they need it most.
This is a modal window.
The Playback API request failed for an unknown reason
The Before Overcoming connectivity challenges to better serve the community
As a growing not-for-profit organisation, Communify’s team operates across multiple locations and in the field, assisting people facing housing and social challenges. Reliable mobile connectivity is essential—not only for operational efficiency but also for ensuring staff safety when working in unpredictable environments. Previously, Communify faced coverage gaps and service limitations that affected their ability to provide uninterrupted care and response services. They also experienced visibility issues over their billing.
To meet the demands of a growing workforce and better serve their clients, Communify required a provider that could deliver:
- Reliable mobile connectivity to support frontline workers in and beyond Brisbane.
- Flexible service management to scale easily as the organisation expanded and provide full visibility and simple, digital management over an entire fleet.
- A values-driven partnership that aligned with their mission of supporting their community.
"Optus has been an invaluable partner, ensuring our staff have the mobile connectivity they need to support vulnerable communities. Their flexibility, reliability, and shared values make them the perfect fit for Communify"
Ben Bollard CIO, Communify
The Solution A tailored mobility strategy to keep teams and clients connected
Optus provided a tailored mobility solution that empowered Communify to improve operations, enhance staff safety, and increase connectivity for their clients:
- Scalable mobile fleet – Over 220 mobile services utilising Samsung devices deployed, allowing teams to stay connected wherever they are. Optus also deployed client tablets to help people stay connected with loved ones.
- Prepaid mobile access for clients – providing individuals experiencing homelessness with pre-paid 4G sims to maintain communication with essential services.
- Seamless transition – Optus ensured a smooth migration from the previous provider with minimal disruption to daily operations.
- Dedicated account management – Ongoing support and proactive check-ins to ensure Communify’s needs continue to be met.
"We've always had a strong relationship with the account management team at Optus. Amit has been fantastic and is always available for our questions and the whole transition period was really seamless."
Ben Bollard CIO, Communify
The Results Stronger connections, greater impact for staff and clients
With Optus as a trusted partner, Communify has experienced tangible benefits, including:
- Uninterrupted coverage – Staff can work with confidence, knowing they are always connected.
- Operational efficiency – Faster deployment of mobile services, reducing administrative burden.
- Client impact – Mobile connectivity ensures clients can access critical support, secure housing offers, and stay connected to the community.
"We're a not-for-profit organisation, and we need to keep costs down. Optus is competitive, and I think our organisations and values are aligned - we felt valued as a client, and Optus was willing to work with us."
Ben Bollard CIO, Communify
The Future Expanding connectivity to strengthen community support
Communify continues to innovate, evolve and expand its services, with Optus standing alongside them as a committed mobility partner. Future collaborations include exploring additional connectivity solutions and leveraging Optus’ community engagement programs to further support those in need and solidify the strength of their partnership.
Further information
To find out more about partnering with Optus, contact your account manager or request a call back below.
Customer profile
About: Communify is a Brisbane-based not-for-profit providing community services, housing support, and mental health assistance.
Industry: Community & Social Services
Website: www.communify.org.au
Location: Brisbane, QLD
Goals and challenges
- Ensure reliable mobile connectivity for frontline workers.
- Provide mobile access to vulnerable clients.
- Scale mobility solutions as the organisation grows.
- Strengthen community impact through partnerships.
Solutions provided by Optus
- Enterprise mobility fleet – Scalable mobile solutions tailored for field workers
- Prepaid mobile access – Supporting at-risk individuals with essential connectivity
- Dedicated account management – Ensuring ongoing, proactive support
Benefits and outcomes
- Increased workforce connectivity and safety.
- Enhanced client support through mobile-first acces
- Flexible, cost-effective mobile service management