Commuters in Sydney have been taken aback by the sudden appearance of official signs detailing what to do in the event of a terrorist attack on railway platforms.
Official Guidance on Display
A photograph of the public service announcement was captured by a local traveller at Town Hall Station in the city's central business district on Wednesday. The notice, which quickly circulated on social media, features stark advice from Australian National Security.
The guidance outlines a simple three-step process: Escape, Hide, Tell. It instructs people to "move quickly and quietly from the danger", then "stay out of sight and silence your phone". Finally, it advises calling the police on 000 only when it is safe to do so. The sign concludes with the sobering message: "What you do matters."
A Painful Reminder of Recent Trauma
The emergence of these signs comes just one month after the alleged terror attack at Bondi Beach on December 14. In that incident, father and son Sajid and Naveed Akram are accused of opening fire on families celebrating 'Chanukah by the Sea'.
Fifteen innocent people lost their lives in what became Australia's worst mass shooting since the 1996 Port Arthur massacre. For many residents still processing that tragedy, the new signage serves as a distressing reminder of the ongoing threat.
Public Reaction: Concern and Resignation
The signs have provoked a mix of alarm and grim acceptance on social media and forums. "The fact this is even needed here. Wild stuff," one user commented on Reddit. Another added, "Although it's ultimately good info, can't say I'm particularly pleased about the fact we need to be showing these now."
Many drew comparisons with counter-terror measures seen overseas. "I remember seeing these PSAs in train stations over in America, that was probably my biggest culture shock when I saw them the first time," shared one commenter. "It's sad it's now coming to Australia."
Another person expressed a hope that the nation would not follow the path of other major cities, writing: "Hope we're not going to become like London where every second announcement and sign on public transport is about terror/crime/danger, making everyone constantly feel on edge. If you live in terror, the terrorists have won."
The Department of Home Affairs has been contacted for comment regarding the rollout of these new security notices.
