Mr Penn said the drought was having a devastating effect on rural communities and Telstra increasing its assistance would lend a hand in a time of need.

“We have already made our natural disaster assistance package available, which includes working with customers in financial hardship to offer longer-term payment options or extensions and reviewing and removing any administrative fees through Telstra’s Financial Hardship Package,” Mr Penn said.

“Today we are making a $200,000 Drought Relief Fund available to Telstra’s area general managers so that they can take immediate, local action with community groups and organisations who are dealing with the impacts of the drought. Being here in person really brings home the immense challenge regional communities are dealing with, Telstra will work with Rotary, the CWA and the National Farmers’ Federation to distribute the money.”