By Mitchell Clarke
A Pakenham Telstra store has been forced to close temporarily after a store manager was subjected to a series of threats following a viral social media post.
The store on Main Street became the target of a social media storm, after Pakenham resident Angel Chichi vented her disappointment about the treatment of a homeless man suffering cancer.
The man, who the Gazette has chosen not to name, was said to have just purchased a prepaid phone which contained a $10 credit, with the intention of calling his family members.
Ms Chichi, a local volunteer who recognised the man from Bourke Park, saw him pleading for help to activate his sim card on Saturday morning, 15 August.
“I could see there was someone out the front quite visibly upset and hostile, so I put my issue aside with Telstra to try and sort his issue out,” she told the Gazette.
It’s understood the customer was unable to access his phone because he couldn’t provide valid identification.
“The Telstra store manager provided a number for him to call, but he couldn’t make any calls as his sim was not activating,” Ms Chichi explained.
“She said there was nothing more she could do to help. He’s a customer of Telstra and they shouldn’t treat anyone like that. It’s really concerning.
“I think this incident has highlighted the fact that such a big company can turn their back on the most vulnerable members of our community.”
The original post has since been shared more than 1000 times.
Ms Chichi said she would never condone any sort of violence or threats towards the employee, but said it showed how “disgruntled” the community was with the store.
A Telstra spokesperson said the incident was a “small misunderstanding” which had gained traction on social media.
“We’re working to resolve the issue and we’ve spoken to the people involved to listen to their concerns,” the spokesperson said.
“Our stores are operating in a more complex environment at the moment, given Covid restrictions to trading, which requires customers to make appointments to see us in store.”
It’s understood the store manager had been offered whatever support was needed from Telstra and the licensee.
“Threats against our staff will not be tolerated and it’s a matter we take extremely seriously,” the spokesperson added.
It’s not yet known when the store will reopen.
