On 28 April 1996 at the historical Port Arthur site in Tasmania, 35 people were tragically killed. Two small children, Alannah, aged six and Madeline, aged three, died that day, along with their mother, Nanette.
A year later, the girls’ father, Walter Mikac AM, and a small group of volunteers established the Alannah & Madeline Foundation on the belief that “all children should have a safe and happy childhood without being subjected to any form of violence.”
The Australian community came together to support the Foundation, which has since become a national not-for-profit dedicated to keeping children and young people free from violence and trauma wherever they live, learn and play.
Today, in 2025, the work we do at the Foundation has a strong connection to our origin back in 1996.
Most recently, we are proud of the Federal Government’s landmark investment of $161.3 million in funding towards the implementation of the National Firearms Register, made on the eve of the 28th anniversary of the Port Arthur tragedy last year.
Reaching this final milestone on the journey to full compliance with the National Firearms Agreement has been long-awaited. It's a meaningful step towards ensuring firearm safety in Australia – a cause we were founded upon and which we still champion today.
Our origin story continues to be remembered by Australians, with letters from our Founding Patron, Walter to then Prime Minister John Howard being acquired in June 2023 by the National Museum of Australia.
These historically significant letters impelled the Prime Minister to take strong action in 1996, delivering a national firearm reform. After almost three decades of advocacy following the Port Arthur tragedy, Walter has reflected on the incredible world-leading impact of which is still being felt today.
"Since Port Arthur, we've only had one mass shooting in Australia – it's incredible proof in the pudding that not having the firearms in our community works," said Walter.
Continuing our work in Alannah and Madeline's honour
In the years since our work began to keep children happy, safe and strong, we are proud to have been involved in so many milestone moments that have continued and expanded our impact.
From the launch of our school online safety program, eSmart, in 2010 to the opening of our first Cubby House in 2015, we are proud to be supporting children and young people in diverse and innovative ways.
You can take a look at the many important moments in our timeline and explore the ways we have evolved over the years to achieve the mission Walter set out in Alannah and Madeline’s honour.
Walter shared, "I think if they were looking down and could see what the Alannah & Madeline Foundation does in their names, and the gun laws that are now part of the legacy of the event of that day, they'd be really proud."
"It makes me really proud that it's part of our history that we've taken a really horrific event and made a solid monument and a legacy to all the people that suffered that day.”
As we continue to bring to life a vision that has its roots in our origin story, we pay our respects and gratitude to everyone involved in the founding and early years and celebrate their achievements as thousands of children and young people continue to benefit directly from their actions.
Today, we honour those who came together to build hope from tragedy through the work that we continue to do.
Your ongoing support ensures that the work to keep children safe can continue into the future.
You can get involved by donating, volunteering, buying raffle tickets and more to join us in the fight to uphold children’s right to be safe.
