Telstra will offer an assistance package to customers who may be affected by unrest in northern Israel and Lebanon.

In announcing the relief package today, Telstra Chief Executive Officer, Mr Sol Trujillo, said the assistance would be in the form of rebates for:

” Fixed or mobile calls made by Telstra customers in Australia to the affected areas in order to check on the well-being of immediate family members, and

” Telstra customers travelling in the area who used a Telstra mobile to call relatives in Australia to advise them of their circumstances.

The rebates will apply for calls made since midnight AEST on Wednesday, 12 July 2006 until at least midnight AEST on Wednesday, 26 July 2006. The rebates will apply for calls to Lebanon and numbers in northern Israel beginning with the prefix 0011 972 4, and for mobile calls to Australia made from these areas.

“We are all concerned about the welfare of Australians in the region,” Mr Trujillo said.

“Our thoughts are with all Australians who have been affected by the unrest, and especially with those who may have been displaced or lost loved ones in the violence”.

To apply for the rebate, eligible customers should contact Telstra on the telephone number published on their next bill.

Telstra does not have any staff working in the area. However, Mr Trujillo said that the company was aware of several employees who had travelled to the area while on leave.

“We are in regular contact with several staff who we know are in the area at the moment,” Mr Trujillo said.

Telstra has been in contact with Australian Government authorities to provide further assistance as required.

Socceroo Lucas Neill today thanked the Australian public for its incredible support during the team’s campaign in Germany.

Despite the dramatic end to round two of the competition, Neill received more than 2000 HeroMessagesВ® from fans showing their support following the loss to Italy on Tuesday morning.

More than 31,000 HeroMessages were sent during the Socceroo’s campaign in Germany.

Describing the whole situation since the end of the game as overwhelming, Neill has been buoyed by the support from home.

“The last few days have been an emotional rollercoaster for me and the whole team,” Neill commented.

“To know that so many people have taken the time to personally send me a message of support has helped soften the blow of the result, but it will still take some time to get over.”

“It is great to know that despite the result, the whole country was behind us, and we truly appreciate every word of support we have received. Thank you Australia!”

Telstra spokesperson Warwick Ponder said that the support from the Australian fans had prompted Telstra to keep the HeroMessage service open.

“Due to an overwhelming response to Lucas and the rest of the team, Telstra has decided to extend the HeroMessage service for another week, allowing sports fans to show the Socceroos that they are behind them no matter what the result,” Mr Ponder said.

Football Federation Australia’s Head of Commercial Operations, John O’Sullivan thanked Telstra for their support.

“FFA understands that this is the first time Telstra has rolled out HeroMessage for a single sport and football is proud to have been chosen.”

HIGHLIGHT MESSAGES FOR LUCAS NEILL:

* Be proud Lucas! U didn’t deserve to go out like that. I’ve just cried for
an hour straight at seeing your face after the decision. Your my fav &
always will be
Sender: Natalie

* Dishonesty and unfair play is not ur burden to carry-strength, dignity,
a dedication is what makes u truly a remarkable and deserving player-NEVER
GIVE IN!!! xoxo
Sender: Arlene

* When you are tired and weary
and a long way from home
You can reach for Australia
and you shall not walk alone.
Sender: SD

* Lucas Neill seeing your face on the screen made by eyes brim with tears.
You’re a fantastic player nad have outstanding defence. I feel so much
sympathy for you
Sender: Joanna

* Don’t be sad for something you can’t control. You can’t control the mistakes
of others. You are our man of the series and our hero. Be proud, stand tall.
Sender: Donna

* LUCAS Keep your chin up – you’ve made a legend of yourself, and no Spanish
referee will ever remove the memory of your courage and class from our hearts.
Sender: David

* Lucas neill-how special r u?U have scored so many life long fans…Dont
worry bout that BAD call, u should b so proud of urself. u will b captain
sum day. kal
Sender: Kal

* Can’t sleep but sweetie – U R a CHAMP! U have done us all proud! Even tho
u wear number 2, U will always be my number ONE! Chin up & C U down under
soon xxxx
Sender: Kylie

* A few months ago I’d never heard of socceroos. Now behind tired eyes I’m checking out the competition. My husband is proud. I’m a Lucas groupie. Good luck.
Sender: Peri

Australians can continue to send the Socceroos a message by logging onto www.heromessage.telstra.com or sending their message by SMS/MMS to 0428 MY HERO (standard SMS / MMS rates apply).

Support for the Socceroos has broken new records this morning as wave after wave of Telstra HeroMessagesВ® flood in from across the country.

Australian fans have been sending their congratulatory messages directly to the team, with peak periods seeing up to 50 messages sent a minute.

Messages have come from fans from all walks of life including converted AFL and NRL fans, and young children running late for school. Messages have been sent from live sites in Sydney and Melbourne, bedrooms, living rooms, buses, trains and even from Stuttgart.

Telstra spokesperson Warwick Ponder said the company had been overwhelmed by the response.

“The number of messages coming in for the Australian team has been phenomenal, and we are delighted to be able to help connect the Australian fans to our successful team on the other side of the World.

“I encourage all Australians to continue to send messages and show the team how much this win means to everyone back at home,” he said.

Highlighted Messages:

* I LOVE U, I LOVE U, I LOVE U! U guys r overflowing with heart & spirit.
A beautiful example 4 the rest of the world. Truth & fairness have triumphed.
Zelko dont be too hard on yourself. Put it behind u now. We all feel 4 u.Give
Harry,our saviour,a BIG KISS.Viva AUSTRALIA! Johnny Warren is smiling down
on u all. He’d be so proud
Recipient: Australian Team
Sender: Jenny

* i was in the stands in Stuttgart wearing my green and gold with pride. Sure
there were nerves but you rose to the occasion and gave me and my mates the
best moment of our lives. We’ll be there to the end and we hope you
are too. Marty – an Aussie in Germany
Recipient: Australian Team
Sender: Marty

* Dear Socceroos, Congratulations! You have performed another miracle –
my 8 year old son is ready for school, outside playing soccer and it’s
still dark outside!!!
Recipient: Australian Team
Sender: Cathy

* HARRY YOU ARE A HERO!!!!! YOU ARE A CHAMPION!!! The look on your face said
it all. You will never be forgotten!! You are the greatest!!!!
Recipient: Harry Kewell
Sender: Mark

* When kewell scored THAT goal my husband, my 2 sons & myself were jumping
up & down with arms in air. I looked around & even our 13 month old
was throwing his arms up & trying to jump copying us. It was as priceless
as THAT goal. Well done socceroos.
Recipient: Welsh Family
Sender: Australian Team

Australians can get behind the Socceroos and show their support by logging onto www.heromessage.telstra.com or sending their message by SMS/MMS to 0428 MY HERO (standard SMS / MMS rates apply).