Council would like to advise that the National Emergency Management Agency is delivering AusAlert, Australia’s new national warning system. It’s a fast and reliable way to help people be informed and better prepared during emergencies.
AusAlert will be ready to use in October 2026, but before it launches, the system needs to be tested across Australia. On Monday 27 July 2026, a test alert will be sent to all mobile devices in Australia.
On Monday 27 July 2026 at around 1:30pm ACST (South Australia incl Broken Hill), a national test of AusAlert will happen. During the test, all compatible mobile devices in Australia will be sent a Critical Alert at the same time.
WHEN:
On Monday 27 July 2026, a test alert will be sent to all mobile devices in Australia.
South Australia (SA, incl. Broken Hill)
1:30 pm (ACST – UTC+9:30)
AusAlert is a new national warning system that uses the latest technology to send emergency messages to compatible mobile devices during local and national disasters. AusAlert messages keep communities informed so they can take action, saving lives and property.
Who is AusAlert for?
AusAlert is for everyone in Australia. It sends information about local and national disasters, including what is happening now or what might happen soon.
During a disaster, you may receive an alert if you have a compatible mobile phone, tablet or smart watch.
People who may need more support
AusAlert is designed for all Australians.
If you need more support around AusAlert, specific resources have been made for:
- people living with disability
- older Australians
- young people
- First Nations peoples
- people from diverse cultural backgrounds.
What to expect
At the time of the test, a single Critical AusAlert test will be sent to every mobile device in Australia. Everyone with a compatible phone or other device in Australia can expect to receive the alert.
Devices will vibrate and play a siren-like warning sound for about 10 seconds.
Compatible Mobile Devcies
An AusAlert message will appear on device screens. It will clearly say it is a test.
Exactly how it appears will depend on your device type and operating system.
AusAlerts work on many mobile phones, tablets and smartwatches. Devices don’t need a working SIM card.
They are expected to work on:
- iPhones 11 and up running iOS 26.4 or later
- Apple Watch SE2, SE3, Series 6 and up running watchOS 26.4 or later
- Android devices running Android 12 or later.
Older Android phones and phones that don’t use iOS or Android might still receive AusAlerts.
Apple iPads won't receive AusAlerts.
Always install the latest software updates on your device when asked so you’re ready to receive AusAlerts.
The Alert will look something like this:
What the test Critical Alert looks like.
For more information please visit the AusAlert website at the following link; National test | ausalert