About Us
The Foundation was set up in memory of Alannah and Madeline Mikac, aged six and three, who were tragically killed with their mother and 32 others at Port Arthur, Tasmania, on 28 April 1996. The Foundation was launched in 1997 and has been operating for more than 20 years.
Our key objectives are to care for children who have experienced or witnessed serious violence, reduce the incidence of bullying, cyberbullying and other cyber risks, and, advocate for the safety and well-being of children.
Our programs are in one-third of all Australian schools, and more than 75 per cent of all Australian public libraries (reaching all 1,500 within the next three years). We support 10,000 children in refuges or foster homes across Australia every year.
We have reached more than three million children and their families nationwide since the organisation was established in 1997.
Our Raffles
Our Raffles program is a fundamental fundraising channel that supports our diverse range of support and preventative programs. All proceeds generated are evenly distributed to the programs that need it most. In Australia, every 2 minutes there is a report of child abuse, neglect or family violence. And subsequently, we rely heavily on our fundraising endeavours to continue meeting the evolving and changing needs, both now and into the future.
By joining our mission and purchasing a raffle ticket, you are helping to make a real difference in the lives of these children.
The Story of Our Logo
Our logo is Alannah and her little sister Madeline, holding hands. The image has a very special meaning as it was created using a family portrait drawn by Alannah Mikac, just months before she was tragically killed at Port Arthur. It is an honour to use her drawing to represent our Foundation.
Foundation Patron Walter Mikac AM, explains the significance of the Alannah & Madeline Foundation’s logo:
“In the early days, the Foundation was driven by the emotion and disbelief created by the tragic events at Port Arthur. The reason people are still so incredibly passionate about our Foundation lies in its ethos. This ethos is embodied in the logo which was drawn by my lovely daughter, Alannah.
Alannah’s drawing was originally a family portrait, but when I looked at her diary and drawings after she died, I found the same drawing a number of times with the prophetic words written on top of one page.
I am special because I care for others.
The simplicity of a six-year-old girl caring for her younger sister is what the Foundation is dedicated to – helping children live without fear, bullying or violence. This strikes a chord with the entire population, making our message and aim so powerful.
It would make my daughters smile to know that they are being remembered in such a helpful and beautiful way.”
Walter Mikac AM, Founding Patron and father of Alannah and Madeline