Many families in the Hinchinbrook electorate have anxiously been waiting for news from central Italy this week, in the wake of the devastating magnitude 6.2 earthquake.

Member for Hinchinbrook Andrew Cripps MP, said that in an effort to assist customers to check on their friends and relatives affected by the disaster, free services are being offered in to attempt to keep loved ones connected.

“Telstra is assisting by offering free standard voice calls and texts made from personal post-paid mobiles and fixed lines to Italy, from 25 August until 11.59pm on 1 September 2016,” Mr Cripps said.

“Telstra customers with pre-paid services are being offered a refund of call and text costs to Italy for the same period, with refunds being applied by 8 September.”

“The Hinchinbrook electorate maintains strong links to an impressive Italian heritage, and I would encourage those wishing to contact family and friends who might have been affected, to do so knowing that this service support is currently available,” said Mr Cripps.

Customers are being asked to please keep in mind that disruption to services may impact calls getting through.

More information is available from https://exchange.telstra.com.au/2016/08/25/free-calls-italy-wake-earthquake/.