Media Release

Digital Switchover for Southern and Central NSW, ACT and the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area

The Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy, today announced the official switchover from analog to digital-only TV across areas of Southern and Central NSW, ACT and the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area.

“At 9am today, analog signals across Southern and Central NSW, ACT and the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area switchover region were switched off forever,” Senator Conroy said.

“Today’s switchover is particularly timely as we enter a peak period of television viewing,  with sports like Netball, Rugby League, Rugby Union and the AFL well into their seasons and the Olympics and Paralympics just on the horizon,” Senator Conroy said.

Senator for the ACT and Federal Minister for Sport and Multicultural Affairs, Kate Lundy, hosted a sports themed event at Manuka Oval, Canberra, to herald in the historic switchover. Indigenous Switchover Ambassador David Peachey was on hand to kick off celebrations. Community events were also held around the region in Bega, Griffith, Wagga Wagga and Wollongong.

“Today’s switch off brings the tally to 1.6 million households and five regions across Australia now enjoying greater choice as well as better picture and sound quality,”  Senator Conroy said.

Support is still available for people who haven’t switched to digital TV or are having reception issues. Visit www.digitalready.gov.au or call 1800 20 10 13 for more information.

People across the region can also still apply for the Household Assistance Scheme until 5 July 2012. The Scheme provides practical help to eligible households to make the switch to digital TV. Assistance is available to people on the maximum rate of the Age Pension, Disability Support Pension or Carer Payment, and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs Service Pension or Income Support Supplement.

“The switchover has taken a massive effort by broadcasters, government, businesses and communities themselves. Congratulations to everyone across Southern and Central NSW, ACT and the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area for embracing the change to digital TV,” said Senator Conroy.

Northern NSW will follow southern NSW into the digital-only era on 27 November 2012.

Date: 5 June 2012
Contact: Adam Sims 0408 258 457

Regional switchover events
Community switchover celebrations are being held across Southern and Central NSW, ACT and the MIA switchover region in Bega, Griffith, Wagga Wagga and Wollongong.

Griffith: Yenda Public School
Jane McGrath, Digital Switchover Liaison Officer for the Griffith and Murrumbidgee switchover area, will host a community BBQ at the Yenda Public School. Yenda Township has been severely affected by a recent flood, which saw the evacuation of the whole town including the Yenda Public School and Yenda Preschool. The event will be a symbolic coming together of the two schools, with the staff and parents involved in the celebrations.

Wagga Wagga: Wagga Market Place
Kylie Dunstan and Christina Brunskill, Digital Switchover Liaison Officers for the South West Slopes and Eastern Riverina switchover area, will be at the Wagga Market Place to celebrate switch off. Julie Briggs, Chief Executive Officer of the Riverina Eastern Regional Organisation of Council, will countdown to analog switch off.

Bega: Bega Shire Council
Ann Murphy, Digital Switchover Liaison Officer for the South Coast switchover area, will host a morning tea at the Bega Shire Council office. The local Mayor, Tony Allen, will countdown to analog switch off.

Illawarra: Illawarra Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centre
Leigh Jewiss, Digital Switchover Liaison Officer for the Illawarra switchover area, will host a morning tea at the Illawarra Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centre.

Switchover Today - Senator Stephen Conroy (MP3, 334 KB)
Switchover Today - Senator Stephen Conroy (DOC, 22 KB)