Emergency 000 Public Notices

During the past weeks the Norfolk Island community have received SMS updates regarding the Norfolk Island Emergency 000 phone system, which stated “Norfolk Telecom is currently experiencing technical issues with the 000 emergency response system”. Alternative numbers for emergencies were also advised and shared via SMS, social media and the Norfolk Island Radio Station.

🔸 Hospital or Ambulance - call 23333

🔸 Police - call 22222

🔸 Fire - call 22049

There have been SMS updates on 20 May, 22 May, 24 May, 26 May, 28 May 2025, and I expect these Emergency phone number details will continue to be text to the Norfolk Island mobile phones until the Emergency 000 has been repaired and back working, as advised by Norfolk Island Regional Council, NIRC, “while we (NIRC - Telecom) work to rectify the issue as quickly as possible.”

As well as the “technical issues” with the 000 emergency system, this week there was also problems with The “telephone network” for general calls and SMS. The community were advised that this telephone network fault was back up and running on Tuesday 27 May 2025.

The community have voiced their concern on Social Media about the communication systems on Norfolk Island and the RISK that in an emergency the issues of not having Emergency 000 not working could have serious consequence if the person calling for help is not able to contact the Fire, Police or Medical support.

I also think it could be confusing for visitors to Norfolk Island, not having Emergency 000. Plus, there are people on the island who do not use mobile phones or social media, so the local radio or newspaper is their way to received updates or from friends and family keeping them up to date.

The following are copies of the post from Facebook, Norfolk Island Regional Council – NIRC dated 21 May and 27 May 2025, with updates to 28 May 2025.

https://www.facebook.com/NIRC2899

Norfolk Island Regional Council – NIRC

21 May at 12:37 ·

Norfolk Telecom is currently experiencing technical issues with the 000 emergency response system.

In the event of an emergency please call the relevant number below:

🔸 Hospital or Ambulance - call 23333

🔸 Police - call 22222

🔸 Fire - call 22049

Norfolk Telecom apologises for this inconvenience while we work to rectify the issue as quickly as possible. Further information will be shared as it comes to hand.

Norfolk Island Regional Council - NIRC updated their status.

27 May at 11:32 ·

TELEPHONE SYSTEM AS AT 28 MAY 2025

The telephone network is back up and running for general calls and SMS.

The 000 emergency system operates separately from the general network, and this is still experiencing some technical difficulties.

In the event of an emergency please call the relevant number below:

🔸 Hospital or Ambulance - call 23333

🔸 Police - call 22222

🔸 Fire - call 22049

As at Thursday evening, 29 May 2025, it appears the Emergency 000 is still being repaired, and the community awaits SMS messages with the important updates.

I hope the system is back up and running as I also know in an emergency is important to have Emergency 000.

Betty Matthews

30 May 2025