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Information available on this page:

  • Emergency – Who do I Contact?
  • Personal Safety
  • Safety Fact Sheets

 

Emergency – Who do I Contact?

Emergencies – Phone “000”

The Triple Zero (000) emergency service is the quickest way to get the right emergency service to help you. It should be used to contact Police, Fire or Ambulance services in life threatening or emergency situations only.

You should not use the emergency 000 lines for general medical assistance.

Police – 000 – Emergency

In Australia police protect people and properties, detect and prevent crime, and preserve peace for everyone. They are not connected to the military or politics. The police can help you feel safe.

Police - General Enquiries

In a non-emergency situation you can phone the police on 131 444.

Fire - 000

The fire brigade extinguishes fires, rescues people from fires in cars and buildings, and helps in situations where gas or chemicals become a danger. Immediately a fire starts phone 000 no matter how small or large the fire may be.

Ambulance – 000 – Emergency

Ambulances provide immediate medical attention and emergency transportation to hospital. Phone the ambulance on 000.

State Emergency Service – 132 500

The State Emergency Service (SES) is a rescue service that provides assistance in natural disasters, rescues, road crashes and extreme weather conditions. For emergency assistance in a FLOOD or STORM, phone 132 500.

Lifeline – 13 11 14

Lifeline is a telephone counselling service, open 24-hours a day, 7 days a week. You can telephone Lifeline in times of crisis, or if you are feeling low, depressed, or in need of advice. You will be able to speak to a lifeline counsellor who will provide guidance and support. Phone Lifeline on 131 114.

Poisons Information Line - 131 126

The poisons information line provides prompt information and advice to assist in the management of poisonings and suspected poisonings. If you need to contact this service, you will be given first aid instructions depending on the information you provide, and you will be advised whether you need to see a doctor or go to the hospital. Phone the Poisons Information Line on 131 126.

Translating & Interpreting Services (TIS) – 131 450

This is an Australian Government operated emergency interpreting services, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Personal Safety

Personal Safety Hints

When you are out and about it is important to be alert and aware of your personal safety. When you go out and about, especially at night, always remember:

  • Think ahead - consider how you are going to get home - what about pre-booking a taxi or arranging transport with a friend or family member?
  • NEVER hitch-hike!
  • Make sure that you stay with your friends – let someone know where you are at all times;
  • Make sure you have enough money to get home or to phone
  • Keep away from trouble - if you see any trouble, move away, ring the police and keep away;
  • Walk purposely and try to appear confident;
  • Be careful of strangers asking for money or cigarettes ;
  • Don’t carry your wallet in your back trouser pocket;
  • If you go to a party or to a bar, be careful of “drink spiking”: this is when somebody puts a drug or a lot of alcohol in your drink. This can be very dangerous!
  • Whenever possible, travel with a friend or as part of a group;
  • Stay in well-lit areas as much as possible;
  • Make eye contact with people when walking - let them know that you have noticed their presence;
  • Do not respond to conversation from strangers on the street or in a car - continue walking;
  • Be alert to your surroundings, and avoid listening to loud music on your MP3 or iPod - you might not hear trouble approaching;
  • Always keep your bag close to your body;
  • Be discrete with your cash or mobile phones;
  • When going to your car or to your home, have your keys in your hand and easily accessible;
  • Consider carrying a personal attack alarm;
  • If you do not have a mobile phone, make sure that you have a phone card or change to make a phone call, but remember - emergency 000 calls are free.
    (Source: Australian Federal Police)

Safety Fact Sheets