AusAlert is Australia's new national warning system. It uses mobile technology to send emergency alerts directly to compatible mobile phones, tablets and smart watches in affected areas.  

Before AusAlert is ready to use, it will be tested in selected local communities across Australia to make sure it works as intended. A national test will also take place in July, before the official rollout in October 2026.

AusAlert testing

• Saturday 20 June 2026 at 11:00 AM in Port Lincoln for community testing
• Monday 27 July 2026 at 1:30 PM in South Australia (SA, including Broken Hill) for National testing

For more information on testing, watch the video with Auslan interpretation below.

What to expect during the test

• A test alert will be sent to all compatible mobile devices within the area (this includes mobile phones, tablets and smart watches)

• The alert will make a loud siren-like sound and vibrate for about 10 seconds

• It will sound even if your device is on ‘silent’ or ‘do not disturb’

• If you receive a test alert while driving or riding, don’t pick up your mobile phone

Below is an example of what the testing alert will look like.

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What to do if you don’t want to receive the AusAlert test

If this noise could disrupt you or cause you to feel unsafe, please turn off your mobile devices or switch them to aeroplane mode before the test time, and leave them off for at least one hour. 

Additional resources

• Access the resources in different languages

• Get extra support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities

• Learn more about AusAlert’s accessibility support

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Getting support

Our Student Wellbeing team are here to support you if you need someone to talk to. For more information on AusAlerts, visit the AusAlert website.