It wasn’t dodgy plumbing or possums mating in the roof, it was the distinct trill of a mobile phone ringing. 

For the first time residents of Trunkey Creek no longer have to drive towards Bathurst for 30 minutes before getting reception, or trying to get a few bars from the Crookwell tower in a few of the higher points surrounding the town.

Thanks to the federal governments Mobile Black Spot Program, Telstra have installed an omni-directional 3G and 4G tower to service the village and surrounding areas.

This isn’t just any tower though, this is the 350^th to be installed in the program and is part of the $19 million that’s being spent across the central west.

For born and bred Trunkey Creek native Erin Johns, seeing those bars on her phone has made all the difference.

“I have two kids that go to high school in Bathurst and now they’ll be able to use social media and contact friends on their phones, rather than using the satellite,” she said.

Marilyn and Mick Burke have differing views on the introduction of the service.

“I’m going to upgrade my phone,” Marilyn said enthusiastically, “It will be great to be able to use it here in town and not just when I’m away.”

But for her husband Mick, he wants no part of it.

“I’m not getting one, I still ride a horse,” he laughed.

Telstra Area General Manager Mike Marom said that the tower would allow the community to keep in contact with family and friends and run their businesses more effectively.

“Customers will be able to do that whether by phone or by using a range of online services over our fast mobile network,’ he said.

Member for Calare, Andrew Gee said that the Trunkey Creek mobile phone tower is one of 25 new towers for Calare under Rounds 1 and 2 of the program.

“Mobile phone coverage is vitally important for small businesses, farmers, families and students and I’m delighted that this tower has been delivered for the people of Trunkey Creek,” he said.