Our Patron 


Walter Mikac Bpahrm

Walter Mikac's daughters, Alannah and Madeline, aged six and three, and their mother Nanette were tragically killed with 32 others at Port Arthur, Tasmania, on 28 April 1996. Walter’s courage and dignity in the face of unimaginable horror had a profound and far-reaching effect. It was a journey requiring unimaginable strength and courage. His desire to create something positive from the devastation won him universal acclaim and has led to extraordinary outcomes. 

Following the events of Port Arthur, Walter successfully lobbied the then Prime Minister and other government heads to bring about reforms to national gun laws. Today, Walter works as a motivational speaker. He openly shares his story in the hope of inspiring others.

He was a 2019 NSW Finalist for Australian of the Year, 2019 Finalist for the Australian Human Rights Medal, he is a Member of the Order of Australia, he founded the Alannah and Madeline Foundation which has helped over 2.2 million children in 23 years and provided over 100,000 Buddy Back Packs to children who have been removed from their home due to violence or loss of parents.  He has also published two books, To Have and to Hold and Circle of Life: Sustenance for the Soul.