First Nations

Extra support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities

The Australian Government recognises that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples can be more affected by emergencies and disasters.

This may be because First Nations peoples:

• sometimes live in regional and remote areas which are more likely to experience natural disasters
• have limited access to emergency communications and services
• may use older phones, shared devices or landline phones
• often rely on community-based and local ways of sharing information
• may need information explained through community and local languages.

In emergencies, receiving information early can help protect people, property and the environment. AusAlert sends near‑instant emergency messages to compatible mobile devices like mobile phone, tablets and smartwatches.

AusAlert can help First Nations communities:

• prepare, understand and coordinate response to emergencies such as bushfires, cyclones and floods
• share information quickly with family and community members
• understand how soon or serious an emergency is
• receive emergency communications in areas with limited network coverage
• support people who are travelling or away from home.

To receive an AusAlert, you don’t need to:

• sign up
• download an app
• share personal information.

AusAlert doesn’t:

• use phone numbers
• collect personal or location information.

AusAlert messages are sent in English. They will look and sound different to a text message (SMS) and can be delivered with a loud 10-second siren-like sound.

Exactly how it appears will depend on your device type and operating system.

An AusAlert looks something like this:

An AusAlert sounds like this:

In a disaster, you may receive an AusAlert if you have a compatible mobile device.

If you receive an AusAlert:

• read the message carefully
• if needed, ask someone you trust for help
• close the notification to stop the alert
• follow the instructions in the message
• check trusted community and local emergency channels for more information. 

AusAlert in remote areas

You may still receive an AusAlert even if your phone can’t make calls or send text messages (SMSs) or if it shows ‘emergency calls only’. As long as your phone is within range of a mobile phone tower, the alert can be delivered – even if that tower belongs to a different mobile provider than the one you’re with.

Mobile phones made before 2019 may not receive AusAlert messages. If you own a phone with a prepaid SIM card, you may still receive an AusAlert, even if you have no data left.

AusAlert won’t replace other ways to stay informed

AusAlert is just one way to stay safe in an emergency. You should continue to rely on:

• landlines and public phones
• local and community radio news broadcasts
• television
• community leaders and Elders
• health services
• local emergency services
• neighbours, family and community.

If you don’t want to receive some AusAlerts

AusAlerts contain life-saving information and are recommended to be turned on to help keep you safe. 

If an AusAlert may cause stress or harm for you or someone you care for, you can choose to turn some AusAlerts off or adjust how they appear and sound. Find out how to turn off an AusAlert.

Get ready for AusAlert

AusAlert will be tested across Australia in June and July 2026.

You or someone you care for may receive a test alert.

During community and national AusAlert testing:

• a message may appear on your screen
• you may hear a loud alert sound for 10 seconds
• you don’t need to do anything.

Safe testing

If an AusAlert test message may cause stress or harm, you can turn off your device or switch it to aeroplane mode before the test time in your location. Leave your device off for at least one hour.

Important: you will still receive an AusAlert test if your phone is on ‘silent’ or ‘do not disturb’.

For more information, see:

• Regional and remote communities
• Compatible mobile devices
• How to turn off an AusAlert
• Resources and downloads