01/06/2026
⚠️ IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT AUSALERT AND SAFE PHONES ⚠️
The Australian Government, through the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), is launching AusAlert - a new national warning system that sends emergency messages to compatible mobile devices, including phones, tablets and watches. It’s a fast and reliable way to help keep Australians informed so they can act quickly during disasters such as bushfires, severe weather and public health emergencies.
Before AusAlert is ready to use in October 2026, NEMA needs to test the system locally and nationally. They also want all Australians to know what an AusAlert will look and sound like and how to stay safe when receiving an alert.
Being aware of the AusAlert system is especially important for those with a Safe Phone, as the alerts may expose these safety devices. The advice from NEMA is that if it is not safe to receive AusAlerts on your Safe Phone, keep the device off or in ✈️ Aeroplane Mode.
📅 The testing of AusAlert will happen in two phases:
📍 Community Test Alert - Tests will take place in selected cities, towns and remote areas across Australia in June 2026 (see locations and dates below). The community tests will be Priority Alerts, which means,
• Your mobile device will vibrate and make a loud siren-like warning sound that lasts for about 10 seconds.
• Your device won't vibrate or make a sound if it is on ‘silent’ or ‘do not disturb’.
• You can also turn the sound and vibration off in your mobile device settings.
🚨 National Test Alert - A national test of AusAlert will happen on Monday, 27 July 2026. During the test, all compatible mobile devices in Australia will receive an alert simultaneously. The national tests will be Critical Alert, which means,
• Your mobile device will vibrate and make a loud siren-like warning sound for about 10 seconds before stopping.
• Your device will vibrate and make the sound EVEN IF IT IS ON ‘SILENT’ OR ‘DO NOT DISTURB’.
• You can’t turn off Critical Alerts.
⚠️ If you are concerned about receiving either the Community Test Alert or the National Test Alert, please follow these steps.
• One hour before the test - Turn off your mobile device or put it in aeroplane mode.
• During and after the test - Keep your device off or in aeroplane mode for 24 hours.
NEMA has engaged with DV Safe Phone to communicate this message to all partners that supply our Safe Phones to victim-survivors. We encourage partners to discreetly communicate with any individual who has received a Safe Phone to ensure they are aware of these upcoming events. We will continue to communicate with you in the lead-up to the National Test date on Monday, 27 July 2026.
📍 Community Test Dates, Times & Locations:
10:30 am Wed 10 June
Fairbairn Business Park, ACT
11:00 am Mon 15 June
Launceston, TAS
2:00 pm Tues 16 June
Coastal townships (Cooya Beach, Newell and Wonga Beach), QLD.
4:00 pm Wed 17 June
Liverpool, NSW
10:00 am Thur 18 June
Tennant Creek, NT
2:00 pm Thur 18 June
Geelong, VIC
12:00 pm Fri 19 June
Goomalling, WA
11:00 am Sat 20 June
Port Lincoln, SA
2:00 pm Sun 21 June
Queanbeyan, NSW/ACT border
🔗 For more information on AusAlert, please visit the AusAlert website, which also includes specific information about those with a Safety Device: https://www.ausalert.gov.au/community-resources/staying-safe-ausalert
