It's taken a COVID-19 outbreak but a push to provide the Wilcannia community better phone and internet coverage has led Telstra to commit to connectivity improvements for the town.
Nina Agzarian, who is known by the DJ name Nina Las Vegas, got in touch with Telstra last week about what assistance it could provide to the community at the moment.
Ms Agzarian said she had been to the town's school several times over the past decade as part of organisational work and had passed on several local contacts to the telco.
She said it was time it dealt with longstanding connectivity issues in the town.
"Listen to the community that has been asking for better service, better coverage for years upon years," Ms Agzarian said.
"So I just made noise for them because we have to support them."
Ms Agzarain said proper connectivity was particularly important as multiple families in the community tried to isolate at home.
"A Facetime [call] could change that mental health, that little bit of talking, a yarn you might need to make your day better," she said.
"We take that for granted in cities and I think that the community has made that really clear — they're not a city, they're a small community.
Mobile solution planned
Telstra was contacted last week to assist with communications issues — with the telco the only service provider in town.
Area manager Michael Marom said it was planning several measures to help, including a cell on wheels at the town's hospital.
He said the telco hoped to have it operating early next week, with additional data provided to customers as well.
"We'll also be putting a pause on all billing and service suspension," Mr Marom said.
"We're also working with Maari Ma Aboriginal Health to distribute additional pre-paid credit to those more vulnerable members in the community to ensure that they have some additional safety and mechanisms there to stay in contact."
Permanent cell on the way
Mr Marom said the telco would also be working with the Central Darling Shire Council to get approval for a permanent cell at the Wilcannia hospital.
He said shire approval for the cell had been given last week.
"So it'll take a little bit of pressure off the current facility which services the town.
Mr Marom said the telco hoped to have it up and running within three to four weeks' time, provided it could get clearance for crews to come in and work on it.
