Communities in parts of NSW will soon experience a new national emergency warning system as part of upcoming AusAlert testing.
AusAlert is a new national public warning system, delivered by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), that sends emergency alerts to compatible mobile devices. It is designed to help keep people informed and better prepared during emergencies such as bushfires, floods and other major incidents.
AusAlert will launch in October 2026. Before it is rolled out across Australia, NEMA is running a series of community-based trials and a national test to help confirm the system is working as intended and to build public awareness.
In NSW, upcoming tests include:
- Liverpool, NSW – 4:00 pm, Wednesday 17 June 2026
- Queanbeyan (NSW/ACT border) – 2:00 pm, Sunday 21 June 2026
A national test will follow on 27 July 2026, where alerts will be sent more broadly across Australia.
Timely and reliable information is critical during emergencies. AusAlert is being tested to help ensure communities can be quickly informed and better prepared when it matters most.
During the test, people in the above locations may notice their mobile device vibrate, emit a loud, siren-like sound for around 10 seconds, and display a full-screen alert message. The notification may appear while using apps, during phone calls or when the phone is locked.
People in nearby areas may also receive the alert, even if they are outside the test location. This is expected and part of the test.
These trials are designed to help people become familiar with what an AusAlert looks and sounds like before it is used in a real emergency. The alert will clearly state that it is a test to minimise confusion or concern.
Testing in real communities is an important step to build awareness and ensure people know what to expect. For many Australians, this will be their first experience of the new system.
Once operational, AusAlert will support emergency services to issue public warnings quickly to people in affected areas. By sending alerts directly to mobile devices, it will provide another way to share critical information during fast-moving and high-risk situations.
People in and near the test areas are encouraged to be aware of the scheduled test times and expect to receive the alert. The notification is designed to be noticeable, so messages are seen in urgent situations.
Residents and visitors can help by sharing accurate information and reassuring others that the alert is part of a planned test.
For more information and upcoming testing, visit AusAlert.
Example of a test Priority Alert.
Depending on your device type, you may get a test alert with the heading ‘Presidential Alert’ or ‘Extreme Threat Alert’. It is still a valid AusAlert test and the content of the alert will be the same.