GenWest

AusAlert is Australia’s new national warning system.

It sends emergency messages to compatible mobile devices during disasters such as bushfires, severe weather and public health emergencies.

AusAlert messages share important information, but they could make hidden safety devices easier to find. These devices can include mobile phones, tablets, smart watches and personal safety devices.

If your devices are switched on during an emergency, an AusAlert will:
• make them vibrate
• play a loud siren-like sound for 10 seconds
• turn the screen on automatically

This may happen even if the volume is turned down or your devices are on silent or do not disturb.

If you think it might not be safe for you or someone you care about to receive an AusAlert, you can:
• turn off your device or switch to aeroplane mode at least one hour before the testing (and leave it off for 24 hours)
• give the phone to a trusted friend or leave it somewhere safe before 27 July

Remember – you can still use wi-fi if your device is in aeroplane mode. If it doesn’t have aeroplane mode, turn it off instead.

Remember to also turn off any safety devices used by children in your care.

📞 If you’re worried about your immediate safety, call 000

🔗 For more information, visit ausalert.gov.au

🔗 For more support services, visit genwest.org.au/support-services

When Rakim first came to GenWest’s Children’s Counselling Program, expressing emotions felt overwhelming.

Over time, things began to change. 13-year-old Rakim* told us “I had more confidence in myself, and I didn't lash out so much. I could control my emotions more.”

Every counselling session GenWest offers gives children like Rakim a safe space to heal, grow and find their voice.

As one parent shared: “My children have discovered just how strong they are, and that it's ok to be sad. They are not afraid to speak up... I don't know where we'd be today if it wasn't for GenWest.”

Our Children's Counselling service supports hundreds of children every year, helping them to heal and recover from their experiences of family violence.

Waitlists are long though, and we need donations to enable us to support more children and young people like Rakim.

Donate to GenWest before 30 June, and help more children and families access life-changing support.: www.givenow.com.au/genwest_counselling

*name has been changed for safety and privacy purposes

So many inspiring women and stories at Women Deliver 2026 💓

Picture 1: Mai Nguyen, Wennie van Riet, Dale Wakefield, Musarrat Saiyed, Yi Zhu, and Mehak Sheikh.
Picture 2: Audrey Umuti and Wennie van Riet at the pre-conference on Climate Justice.