17/06/2026
The Australian Government is launching AusAlert later this year, a new national warning system that will send emergency messages to all mobile devices (including tablets and smart watches) during disasters such as bushfires, severe weather and public health emergencies.
There will be an alert test on all these devices across Australia at 2pm on Monday 27 July 2026, plus early testing across certain areas in June.
In Victoria, this includes Geelong at 2pm tomorrow, Thursday 18 June.
If your devices are turned on, the AusAlert test will:
▪️make them vibrate
▪️play a loud siren-like sound for 10 seconds
▪️turn the screen on automatically
This may happen even if the volume is turned down or your devices are on silent or do not disturb.
AusAlert messages share important information aimed at keeping Australians safe during local and national disasters. However, they can also pose a potential risk for people in a domestic or family violence situation who may have a concealed safety phone as part of their safety planning, by making hidden safety devices easier to find.
People in this situation are encouraged to plan ahead by:
▪️giving the phone to a trusted friend or leaving it somewhere safe before 27 July.
▪️switching the phone to aeroplane mode or turning it off at least one hour before the testing and leaving it off for 24 hours.
🔗For more information, visit ausalert.gov.au.
📞 If you’re worried about your immediate safety, call 000. If you need support, visit areyousafeathome.org.au to find a list of support services near you.
