Cold temperatures continue to grip South Australia, prompting an extended Code Blue emergency response across multiple regions. The activation, which offers additional support for people sleeping rough, is now in place at both Tier 1 and Tier 2 levels in affected areas, with some locations upgrading their emergency response from Friday 13 June.
The Code Blue Tier 2 response remains active in the Riverland and Upper South East, and will now continue through to 11am Saturday 14 June. Additionally, the Lower South East will be upgraded to Tier 2 from 11am Friday 13 June and remain in effect until 11am Saturday.
Under a Tier 2 response, services expand to include the provision of warm meals, hot drinks, blankets, sleeping bags, and warm clothing. Extended operating hours at daytime centres, deployment of extra staff, and access to heated public spaces are also implemented to reduce harm and keep vulnerable South Australians safe.
A Tier 1 Code Blue response remains in place for many other regions including:
- North East Pastoral
- West Coast
- Eastern Eyre
- Lower Eyre
- Flinders
- Mid North
- Clare Valley
- Yorke Peninsula
- Fleurieu Peninsula
- Kangaroo Island
- Adelaide Metropolitan
- Mount Lofty Ranges
- Murraylands
These Tier 1 activations are scheduled to end at 5pm Thursday 12 June, except for regions like West Coast, Yorke Peninsula, Kangaroo Island, and others where Tier 1 status will continue through Friday 13 June.
Code Blue activations are coordinated to prevent harm caused by extreme cold, particularly for people experiencing homelessness. Services are delivered through Homeless Connect SA, which remains operational 24/7 and can be contacted on 1800 003 308.
Community organisations and residents are encouraged to check in on those who may be vulnerable during this period of increased weather-related risk.
Key Timings:
- Tier 1 only on 12 June: Ends 5pm Thursday
- Tier 1 on 13 June: Ends 5pm Friday
- Tier 2 on both days: Ends 11am Saturday
- Upgrading to Tier 2 on 13 June: Begins 11am Friday, ends 11am Saturday
Anyone who is homeless, or at risk of homelessness, is encouraged to contact Homeless Connect SA on 1800 003 308.
Rough Sleeper Extreme Weather Response
Tier 1: Agencies provide their normal services but may extend daytime operation hours, increase staffing, extend street outreach work and increase education and awareness of pre-existing services and support. This will look different depending on the region, code called, and the tier level activated by the Department.
Tier 2: As well as what is outlined in tier 1, a tier 2 response can also include overnight accommodation and shelter for people experiencing rough sleeping.
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