Media Release
Senator the Hon Stephen Conroy
Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy
Deputy Leader of the Government in the Senate
Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Digital Productivity
Local help for digital TV switchover
Mildura and the Sunraysia region now have a locally-based officer to help get ready for digital TV.
"Digital TV switchover is on the way and the new liaison officer will play an important role ensuring people have the information they need to get ready," the Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy said.
"Most people find it an easy task to get ready for digital and it is important that everyone understands the simple things they can do to enjoy the benefits, like better picture and sound quality, new content and new channels."
The newly appointed Digital Switchover Liaison Officer, Kellie Boyce, will be working with community groups and using local networks to help her carry out her important role. She is based at the Mildura Rural City Council and will travel throughout the region.
"I am very pleased to be the first Digital Switchover Liaison Officer and keen to use my knowledge of the local area to help residents to make a smooth transition to digital television," Ms Boyce said.
Executive Director of the Government's Digital Switchover Taskforce, Andy Townend, said Ms Boyce will work with the local community to ensure information and assistance is provided to people who need it, including the aged, people with disabilities or people in remote locations.
"Our Digital Switchover Liaison Officer will identify groups that may need some extra help and will look for ways to reach out to them," Mr Townend said.
"Kellie will play an important role in making sure local residents are aware of switchover and know what they need to do to get ready for it."
Mildura/Sunraysia is Australia's leading digital TV region and will be the first to make the switch in the first half of 2010. Digital Switchover Liaison Officers will be appointed in other regions as switchover approaches.
Ms Boyce can be contacted through the Digital Ready Information Line: 1800 20 10 13.
Date: 20 November 2009
Contact: Tim Marshall 0408 258 457
