On 28 April 1996 at the historical Port Arthur site in Tasmania, 35 innocent people were tragically killed. Two small children, Alannah and Madeline, aged 6 and 3, 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 in 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.
In 2026, 30 years after this tragic event, the work we do at the Foundation has a strong connection to our origin back in 1996.
In the three decades since Port Arthur, the Alannah & Madeline Foundation has advocated for safe, strong and responsible gun laws, so that no more families have to endure the pain of gun violence.
The devastating Bondi terror attack last year, was a sobering reminder of the critical need for vigilance in upholding our gun laws. We will continue to advocate for safe, strong and responsible gun laws and we will resist all efforts to water down or undermine the National Firearms Agreement.
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-based 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 see how 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 these tragic events, 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 our 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.
