The long arm of Telstra reaches into Longreach

By Stuart Corner
Monday, 13 March 2006 15:55

Strategy

Telstra Country Wide has open an office at Longreach, Queensland, initially for a six month trial, saying it will improve the  level of service for customers  across Central Western Queensland.

The office in conjunction with the Telstra Country Wide South West Queensland Roma office will progressively become responsible for managing residential and business customers in the Jericho, Barcaldine, Aramac, Ilfracombe, Longreach and Winton Shires of Central Western Queensland. In addition, Barcoo, Isisford and Blackall Shire residents will also benefit from the proximity of the Longreach office, Telstra Country Wide said.

Queensland regional managing director for Telstra Country Wide, Don Pinel, said the company’s local presence management model had been a success, demonstrating the importance of putting decision-making back into regional areas. “We are committed to looking after our rural and remote customers, and maintaining a strong local presence in Central Western Queensland.”

However, Telstra Country Wide has not committed long term to the Longreach office. “The new office will be trialled on a six month basis, commencing in April 2006.  At the end of the trial period, a decision will be made to establish the office on a more permanent basis," Pinel said.

The Longreach office will be "managed and manned" by Lawrence Blake, a former Telstra trainee who joined the Telstra Country Wide Roma office in 2002 at the age of 18.  He was offered a permanent position when his traineeship was completed in January 2003.