The Australian Government is launching AusAlert in October.
This is a new national warning system that can send emergency messages to mobile devices. It’s a fast and reliable way to help communities be informed and better prepared during emergencies.
Before AusAlert is ready to use, it will be tested twice in Victoria, impacting all compatible mobile devices across:
- Geelong suburbs of Belmont and Highton on Thursday 18 June 2026 at 2pm
- Nationally on Monday 27 July 2026 at 2pm
What to expect
The AusAlert test will be sent to most compatible mobile devices in the test area, such as phones, tablets and smartwatches, children’s safety watches and Apple CarPlay devices.
The Geelong test will be a Priority Alert. This means all compatible devices in the Belmont and Highton area at 2pm on 18 June 2026 will:
- vibrate and make a loud siren-like warning sound that lasts for about 10 seconds
- show a message on the screen and
- turn the screen on automatically.
The National test at 2pm on 27 July will be Critical Alert.
All compatible Australian devices will:
- vibrate and make a loud siren-like warning sound for about 10 seconds
- show a message on the screen
- vibrate and make a loud sound, even if it is on ‘silent’ or ‘do not disturb’
- you cannot turn off Critical Alerts
The AusAlert message will look something like this:
How to stop AusAlert tests
AusAlert may increase risk for people experiencing violence, especially if they live with someone who uses violence. Alerts may expose safety devices.
If you have a hidden device, the best way to stay safe during both of these tests is to:
- turn off your mobile device or put it in aeroplane mode
- keep your device off or in aeroplane mode for 24 hours
For more information, please refer to the staying safe with AusAlert page.
More information
Visit ausalert.gov.au for more details about AusAlert testing, including information for: