People in parts of Geelong may receive a test alert on their mobile device this Thursday.
At around 2:00pm on Thursday 18 June 2026, people in the Belmont and Highton areas may receive a test alert on compatible phones, smart watches and tablets as part of a national series of trials of the Australian Government’s new national emergency messaging system, AusAlert.
When people receive the alert, mobile devices will vibrate and make a loud siren-like warning sound that will last for about 10 seconds. Devices may not vibrate or make the sound if they are on ‘silent’ or ‘do not disturb’.
All test messages will clearly state that this is a test only, and that no action is required.
Led by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), AusAlert has been developed in partnership with the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts (DITRDCSA). AusAlert gives the Australian Government and state and territory emergency services organisations, the ability to send out alerts to the community about disasters.
AusAlert may be used for emergency situations such as natural hazards, public safety and security threats, biosecurity incidents and health emergencies.
In Victoria, AusAlert will only be used when necessary and will complement warnings and advice issued through VicEmergency.
A national test of the critical alert function is scheduled for Monday 27 July at 2.00pm AEST before AusAlert is officially launched for use in October.
For more information on AusAlert, visit ausalert.gov.au
Quotes attributable to Victorian Emergency Management Commissioner, Tim Wiebusch
“I’d like to thank the people of Belmont, Highton and surrounds who may receive the AusAlert test, which will help make sure the system works effectively across different devices, locations and scenarios before it's ever needed in a real emergency."
“AusAlert will only be used in Victoria when it’s needed – providing emergency services with another way to keep communities informed.”
“Warnings and information will continue to be issued through VicEmergency. Never rely on only one source of information – have the app, be prepared, and know your local emergency broadcaster.”
Quotes attributable to NEMA Interim Coordinator-General, Patrick Hetherington
“To test AusAlert, NEMA is running community tests in cities, regional centres and remote areas across Australia from 10 to 21 June so we can be confident it works when people need it most.”
“AusAlert brings the latest cell broadcast technology to warning Australians about local and national disasters and gives emergency services and other critical agencies another tool when their communities need it.”
“I’d like to thank Emergency Management Victoria for working with us to facilitate the community testing in Geelong and we will continue to engage with all our stakeholders to ensure the success of the remaining trials and the national test in July.”
Quotes attributed to City of Greater Geelong Executive Director City Life Anthony Basford:
“Geelong is a growing and diverse community and systems like AusAlert are critical in making sure important emergency information can reach as many people as possible, as quickly as possible.”
“Participating in this test in Belmont and Highton helps ensure our community is part of shaping a system that will ultimately support faster, clearer communication during emergencies.”
“We encourage residents in Belmont and Highton to be aware of the test and understand that no action is required, but to use it as an opportunity to familiarise themselves with how AusAlert may appear on their devices.”
“While AusAlert will enhance emergency communications, we remind our community to continue using trusted sources like VicEmergency and to have a plan in place for emergencies.”
MEDIA CONTACT:
Emergency Management Victoria via the State Control Centre: 1300 287 289 or sccvic.media@scc.vic.gov.au
