The Great ShakeOut 2026: Recent Australian Earthquakes Remind Us to Be Prepared
Date :
12 /
10 /
2026
Author :
WICEN NSW
Thursday 15 October 2026 | Earthquake Awareness and Community Resilience
Australia might not sit on the edge of a major tectonic plate boundary, but that doesn't mean we are immune to earthquakes. Recent seismic activity in Victoria has provided a timely reminder that earthquakes can strike unexpectedly, and that knowing what to do when the ground starts shaking can make a real difference.
On Saturday 3 October, a magnitude 4.9 earthquake struck near Leongatha in Victoria's South Gippsland region. The earthquake was felt across much of Victoria and into New South Wales, with more than 21,000 reports submitted to Geoscience Australia. This followed a magnitude 3.9 earthquake near Ensay in East Gippsland on 26 September, with further tremors and aftershocks reminding residents that seismic activity is very much a part of Australia's natural environment.
Against this backdrop, the 2026 Great ShakeOut, being held on Thursday 15 October, provides an opportunity for Australians to practise earthquake safety and review their emergency preparedness arrangements.
Drop, Cover and Hold On
The Great ShakeOut is an international earthquake preparedness initiative encouraging schools, workplaces, community organisations and households to practise the three essential actions to take during an earthquake:
DROP to the ground to avoid being knocked over.
COVER your head and neck, preferably beneath sturdy furniture.
HOLD ON until the shaking stops.
Victoria's State Emergency Service is encouraging organisations and individuals to participate in the exercise and register their earthquake drills.
The aim is simple: when an earthquake occurs, people should already know how to respond rather than trying to work it out while the building is shaking.
Where Does Amateur Radio Fit In?
For amateur radio operators, the Great ShakeOut also provides an opportunity to consider the wider challenges of emergency preparedness and communications resilience.
Major emergencies can damage telecommunications infrastructure, interrupt electricity supplies and place enormous demands on conventional communications networks.
Amateur radio has a long history of supporting community organisations and emergency communications activities. Through organisations such as WICEN, licensed operators develop skills in portable communications, message handling, emergency power, radio networking and operating independently of conventional infrastructure.
While amateur radio is not a substitute for official emergency services, trained and appropriately coordinated volunteers can provide valuable supplementary communications capability when requested by authorised organisations.
An Opportunity for Amateur Radio Clubs
The Great ShakeOut is also a useful prompt for amateur radio clubs to review their own preparedness.
Could your club operate if mains power failed? Are portable radios, batteries and antennas ready for deployment? Do members know how to establish a local communications network if internet or mobile phone services become unavailable?
Clubs might use the occasion to practise setting up a portable station, test emergency power arrangements, review communications procedures or discuss how they could support their local community during a major disruption.
And just as importantly, members should know how to protect themselves during an earthquake before worrying about saving the radio equipment!
Preparedness Starts Before the Emergency
Geoscience Australia reminds Australians that earthquakes can occur anywhere across the continent and without warning. The recent Victorian earthquakes reinforce the value of practising simple safety procedures and maintaining awareness of local risks.
The WIA encourages amateur radio clubs and their members to support the Great ShakeOut, review their personal and club emergency arrangements, and continue developing the practical communications skills that make amateur radio such a valuable community resource.
When the ground starts shaking, knowing what to do matters. And when communications become difficult, being prepared matters just as much.
Further Information
WICEN NSW on Facebook - Link
VK4 Emergency Communications Groups.io - Link
Great ShakeOut, Victoria State Emergency Service: Link
Geoscience Australia, Earth Science Week and Great ShakeOut: Link
Geoscience Australia, magnitude 4.9 earthquake near Leongatha: Link
Geoscience Australia, recent earthquakes: Link
International Great ShakeOut: Link
Page Last Updated: Sunday, 11 Oct 2026 at 21:00 hours by Justin Giles-clark
Click Here To Return To Previous Page
|
