Optus

What do you get when you mix former national players with Optus’ best football fanatics? A killer side for this year’s Moriarty Cup! ⚽ Optus teamed up with The Glen Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation Centre to raise money for John Moriarty Football, which works to break the cycle of disadvantage among vulnerable Indigenous children and youth through football. The team faced formidable competitors from other corporates, and while we didn’t take home the trophy, the spirit of inclusion and reconciliation was on full display and our ongoing partnership with the Glen is stronger than ever. Thank you to the Moriarty Foundation for hosting another great tournament. 

Admitting he wasn’t okay was the first step towards healing for MITCH WALLIS. Unable to continue pretending, he embarked down a path ‘towards the pain’ to address his mental health and fractured relationships. And it was all thanks to a single stranger who had shared their story in a video online. Inspired by his experience, Mitch started the Heart On My Sleeve movement to encourage others to be emotionally honest and say how they feel without shame or fear. It was an honour to have him speak to our team this R U OK? Day and remind us that genuine moments of connection save lives. #ruokanyday

700,000. That’s how many students have been educated about staying safe online through the Optus Digital Thumbprint program since 2013. We’re bringing digital safety education to students and parents in places we’ve never been before, and it’s all part of our commitment to deliver free workshops to more regional locations. Since the end of July, the team has reached over 10,000 students from Toowoomba to Ballarat, and has even visited Darwin, Canberra and Wyong for the first time! Read more: https://lnkd.in/gpAUkwj6 #OptusDigitalThumbprint 📷 Wagga Wagga image: Simon Dallinger, News Corp Australia

“A good education is the only thing that can change the quality and outcome of your life. With an education you can be more.” With limited access to data at home, Tanaya found it hard to keep up with her tertiary studies. Now she’s equipped to excel – thanks to the generosity of our customers through the Optus Donate Your Data program and our partnership with The Smith Family. “I would like to thank Optus and their customers for their support... it is reassuring to know there are people who care about helping students who are disadvantaged by money, but not in their desire to succeed.” #DonateYourData

When natural disasters strike and power goes out, blocked roads and weather conditions can make getting phone service back up and running a formidable challenge for our team at Optus. But what if we could take mobile coverage to the skies? We recently conducted a demo with Nokia and XM2 to use a drone as a temporary tower to quickly restore connectivity during a community’s greatest hour of need.

Strike a pose 🕺 🪩 💜 This week we've supported Wear it Purple Day at Optus in true style, with our employees strutting their stuff at fashion shows in Sydney and Melbourne and coming together for a morning teas in Adelaide and Brisbane. Wear It Purple Day is a key part of our LGBTQIA+ employee network Express Yourself’s mission to foster a workplace where everyone can bring their true selves to work. It’s both a celebration and a powerful reminder of the ongoing need to support those who are not always accepted for who they are. #WearItPurple #BoldVoicesBrightFuture #OptusLife 

10 community groups. One night. A room full of generosity. Last week we took part in a Community Pitch evening with Ku-ring-gai Financial Services Limited, giving local charities the opportunity to connect with Pitch Partners – local businesses and community members who have contributed to a funding pool. At the end of the night, each Pitch Partner donated their pledged funds to the groups they connected with the most. Playing a small role in supporting local communities and making connections that go beyond just one evening is what it’s all about. Hear from Optus Local General Manager Nick Gibson about the impact of the event.

Deejay Egan 🖤💛❤️🏳️🌈 knows the care system firsthand. From moving between multiple placements to experiencing periods of homelessness, he knew there were gaps in the system that he could address. Today, he’s the CEO of Dynamic Community Care – a First Nations-led organisation with a vision of mob for mob.  Through partnership with Optus, that vision is backed by reliable connectivity, helping young Queenslanders and their families stay connected to culture, community and care. Find out more about Deejay’s journey: https://lnkd.in/gNjZiNDG

What does it take to shape digital products used by thousands of Australians? 🤳 Step into a day in the life of a Digital Product Manager at Optus with our very own Amaar Iftikhar. #OptusLife

“Kindness is powerful. I’ve seen it change my life for the better after quite a harrowing childhood and adulthood. That’s why I’m here.” For over two years, we’ve been partnering with LocalKind Northern Beaches to help them provide support to their community’s most vulnerable neighbours through the power of kindness. We are proud to play a small role in their incredible work by providing access to our Donate Your Data program, volunteer opportunities for Optus employees, funding and more. For CEO Craig Stevens - MICDA, the mission is personal, and it’s all about removing barriers to support. “In a world that can be cynical and harsh, choosing kindness and seeing the good in others is profoundly countercultural. It’s also exactly what our work at LocalKind is about.” We’re showing our support for Craig, who has recently been nominated for CEO of the Year in the Third Sector Au Awards. “This isn’t about me. It’s about the people I work alongside every day – the staff who show up with compassion, the volunteers who give their time and hearts so generously. The community that inspires us. I stand on their shoulders. Always. This nomination belongs to all of them.” If you'd like to show your support for Craig or any of the other well-deserving nominees, you can vote for CEO of the Year here: https://lnkd.in/d954_9j8