Bush families urged to plan ahead for emergencies as misinformation risks lives.
Better Internet for Rural, Regional and Remote Australia (BIRRR) and the Country Women's Association of NSW (CWA of NSW) are urging people in rural, regional and remote communities to make sure every member of the household understands how to contact emergency services, warning that misinformation about accessing emergency communications can have serious consequences.
The organisations said the message is simple, in an emergency people should call Triple Zero (000) first if they are able to do so.
The message comes with deep sympathy for families and communities who have experienced tragedy, near misses and preventable loss on farms and across regional Australia, where help can already be a long way away and response times can be affected by distance, terrain and connectivity challenges.
BIRRR Co-Founder Kristy Sparrow said knowing how to contact emergency services should be treated as a core part of farm and family safety planning.
"People in the bush are often working, travelling and living long distances from help, so understanding how to contact emergency services is not optional, it is essential," Mrs Sparrow said.
"We know too well the heartbreak that follows tragedies and near misses in rural and remote Australia. When communities are already dealing with distance, patchy connectivity and delayed access to help, misinformation about emergency contact options can be incredibly dangerous.
"That is why families need to plan ahead. Talk about it around the kitchen table. Make sure adults know what to do, make sure older children know how to call 000, and make sure everyone understands what their phone can and cannot do in an emergency."
Mrs Sparrow said people should not assume there is a satellite backup available on every handset or that alternative emergency numbers provide extra protection within Australia.
"You can ring 000 but you cannot text them, the international emergency numbers have no benefit over 000 in Australia.
"If you are hearing impaired there are some options, but at this point in time you cannot connect to 000 directly through text.
"However, some newer phones and providers have the capability to give you access to an emergency relay team via satellite text, it's a backup to direct voice calling.
"Check your phone settings, understand whether Wi-Fi Calling is enabled, know whether your device has any satellite capability, and remember that these features do not all work the same way. The best time to learn that is before something goes wrong, not during an emergency."
Ms Sparrow said the Regional Tech Hub is a free resource that can help people better understand their connectivity options and how to make the most of them.
"Our understanding is the RTH is nearing the end of its funding, but we hope to see it continued as there is obviously a need for independent technical advice."
CWA of NSW CEO Danica Leys said emergency readiness was especially important for rural families, many of whom live and work in isolated conditions.
"In country communities, people are often a long way from emergency services, and that reality makes preparation even more important," Ms Leys said.
"For families on farms and in remote areas, teaching children and other household members how to call 000 can be just as important as teaching them what to do in a fire, accident or medical emergency."
"We want people to have these conversations before they are needed. Who has service at different points on the property? Who knows the property address or directions? Who can explain the location to an operator? These things matter when every minute counts."
Ms Leys said rural families should be supported with accurate, accessible information, not confused by misleading claims.
"Regional, rural and remote Australians already face enough barriers when it comes to distance, communications and access to services," she said.
"They deserve clear advice that helps them prepare, protect their families and act quickly when something goes wrong."
BIRRR and CWA of NSW are encouraging households, farms and rural businesses to review their emergency communication plans, check device settings, and ensure all family members know the basics of contacting help.
