Hello,
It sounds like he set up the wrong smtp address.
You can check your BigPond settings via this link
http://go.telstra.com.au/helpandsupport/-/email-settings
You can check your gmail settings via these 2 links below
ttps://support.google.com/mail/troubleshooter/1668960?hl=en
http://email.about.com/od/accessinggmail/f/Gmail_SMTP_Settings.htm
Thanks