Alannah & Madeline - Port Arthur 20 years on

Each month, I am profiling one of the charities that I have the privilege of representing...This month its Alannah & Madeline Foundation as we mark 20 years since the Port Arthur tragedy.

I want to tell you about the work done by the Alannah & Madeline Foundation, a charity inspired by two little girls who were killed along with their Mum and 32 other people in the massacre at Port Arthur in 1996. 

It was set up by their grieving dad Walter Mikac, and a few like minded friends, who were determined that other children should live a life free from violence. 

There is nothing more incredible than someone who can turn such grief and tragedy into something positive. 

And that day, 28 April 1996, was filled with immeasurable grief and tragedy.

35 people were shot dead by Martin Bryant, another 24 injured.  
The serenity of a quiet Sunday afternoon at the popular historic site in Tasmania shattered by a killing spree involving one man with two semi automatic weapons. 12 people were killed in just 15 seconds inside the Broad Arrow café. 20 people lost their lives in a minute and a half. 

Three of his victims were little Alannah Mikac aged 6, her 3 year old sister Madeline and their mum Nanette. 

Driven by grief and the desire to protect other children, Walter Mikac established the Alannah and Madeline Foundation. Its purpose is to give children a safe and happy childhood free from violence. To date the Foundation has reached more than one and half million Australian children. 

It provides Buddy bags – backpacks for children in emergency care. There are different packs for boys and girls, each one filled with things such as toiletries, pyjamas, socks, undies, a book, a photo frame and a teddy bear. Its about restoring a child’s sense of safety and security amid the upheaval around them – something to call their own no matter where they go. More than 60,000 have been packed and delivered to foster care agencies and domestic violence refuges across Australia in the 9 years this program has been running. Packing them is rather an extraordinary experience too. Donors, suppliers, even footy teams take turns, filling every backpack with essentials and kindness.  

The Better Buddies program pairs new primary school students with older ones, in an effort to reduce bullying and create friendly and caring environments. Its now in more than 1700 schools.  

Children Ahead offers intensive support for children as they recover from traumatic or violent circumstances. 

Launched only a few years ago by our patron, Crown Princess Mary of Denmark, our eSmart digital program teaches children and their parents how to be safe online. And there is also an online bullying advice centre for parents and children packed with tips on how to navigate the tricky and at times frightening digital world. 

I am incredibly proud to be an ambassador for a Foundation thats sole purpose is to keep kids safe, both in the real and cyber world. Parents need practical advice and education. Its not good enough to turn a blind eye to issues we don’t understand.  

I am still astounded though by the strength of a father who could find something positive to focus on in the wake of a nightmare. 

And last night as we stood in Federation Square in Melbourne with 35 flickering candles, we thought of every one of the 35 victims – each one a beloved child, partner, parent or friend who will never be forgotten.

www.Amf.org.au — with Mary, Crown Princess of Denmark and Alannah & Madeline Foundation.