Telstra and the Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association celebrate 10-year relationship

Telstra’s 10-year association with the Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association (TFGA) will continue for another year into 2010, following the renewal of a long-term sponsorship agreement between the two organisations.

Group Managing Director Telstra Country Wide®, Brett Riley, made the announcement in Launceston today and reaffirmed Telstra’s support for Tasmania’s farmers and the important Tasmanian agricultural industry.

"Today’s announcement extends Telstra’s commitment to the TFGA into a second decade, following a successful 10-year alliance between the two organisations.

"We remain committed to developing products and services that are tailored to the needs of Tasmanian famers, helping them communicate and do business with markets across Australia and around the world.

“Telstra has a long and proud history of supporting community and business groups and Telstra’s sponsorship will ensure we continue to work closely with the 3100 agricultural enterprises, which support one in five Tasmanian jobs, operating across the state,” Mr Riley said.

The TFGA welcomed Telstra’s renewed sponsorship describing the relationship with Telstra as “a natural alliance” between those who work in splendid isolation and the company that connects them to the world and to their markets.

“In Tasmania especially we could not survive without Telstra,” said TFGA president David Gatenby. “Telstra’s implementation of communications technology has revolutionised how we work, how we talk, how we position ourselves. Telstra has changed our lives. It has allowed us to amplify the Tasmanian brand to our markets.”

Telstra’s commitment to the TFGA continues into next year through:

* Support for TFGA events and forums;
* The provision of products and services; and,
* A dedicated 1800 number connecting TFGA members to a local Telstra sales specialist.

“Over the past year, Telstra has invested more than $60 000 in Northern Tasmania through a range of business, sporting, educational and philanthropic initiatives including grants for local schools and sporting clubs,” Mr Riley said.

“This comes on top of the $3 million we contribute each week to the Tasmanian economy, supporting local jobs and the roll out of leading edge communications services including the world leading Next G” network and high-speed fixed broadband services"

® " Registered trade mark, trade mark of Telstra Corporation Limited.