General News
21 July, 2026
Alert system will be tested nationwide
AusAlert will receive a nationwide test run to every smart phone next week.
A siren will blare on almost every smart phone in the Central Goldfields next Monday afternoon, as the AusAlert system takes a nationwide test run.
Around 30 countries worldwide have a national location based mobile phone alert system for large scale emergencies to warn residents of fires, floods, earthquakes, pandemics or even terrorism.
Australia mostly relies on state based online sources to show information and warnings of nearby incidents, one familiar to Central Goldfields residents being VicEmergency.
But by October this year, Australia will finally have its own national system, called AusAlert.
Before the roll out, the system will be tested to troubleshoot potential issues and ensure the public knows what the alert will look like.
During next week’s AusAlert test, a notificiation will appear on mobile devices, with a loud siren to continue for about 10 seconds.
The alert will even bypass Do Not Disturb mode.
Some land line users may receive an AusAlert with spoken instructions.
No action will need to be taken, as this is just a drill.
The AusAlert is being introduced in response to the 2020 Royal Commission into National Natural Disaster Arrangements, which followed the 2019-20 bushfire season that resulted in a vast loss of life, property, wildlife and environmental destruction.
The Royal Commission found instant emergency warning systems, including mobile-based alerts, would be critical.
According to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the AusAlert will ensure a faster and more accurate reach of those near an emergency.
“AusAlert will allow emergency services organisations and some Australian Government agencies to send targeted warning messages. The system will be more reliable, accurate and efficient than current systems,” they said.
“This means authorities can reach people quickly when it matters most, keeping Australians informed and helping to save lives and property. AusAlert may also send automated voice messages to land line phones.”
The nationwide test follows a smaller test that took place in June, successfully run in nine communities across Australia.
“Messages are targeted to areas within 160 metres, such as a single building. This allows emergency service organisations to send precise evacuation messages,” NEMA announced in May this year.
“AusAlert messages are not text messages or SMS. Because they use cell-broadcast technology, alerts can still be sent and received when mobile networks are busy. Devices do not need an active SIM card to receive an alert.”
Those who own private mobile devices for safety reasons are urged to power this device off for at least one hour before the alert, and keep it switched off for at least one hour after.
For those who don’t receive an alert, NEMA said this may due to having a device that is too old, having poor mobile signal at the time, or the nearest mobile tower not working due to maintenence.
NEMA said the AusAlert will tell you:
What the emergency is
Where it is happening
How serious it is
What you should do
Who the message is from
Where to find more information
In Victoria, AusAlert will only be used when necessary, and will compliment warnings and advice issued through VicEmergency.
The AusAlert national test will take place at 2 pm on Monday, July 27.