Port Arthur
Memorial Garden

Leave a message for those lost and impacted by the Port Arthur tragedy in 1996.

Your message will add another iris to the Memorial Garden below to honour and pay tribute to all those affected.

30 years on, we remember

On 28 April 1996, at Port Arthur in Tasmania, 35 lives were tragically taken by a terrible act of violence. 

30 years on, we remember the lives lost, the survivors, and the first responders. 

"Do not take your children for granted, do not take love for granted. And most importantly, do not take tomorrow for granted." 
- Walter Mikac AM, Alannah and Madeline's Dad

Plant an iris

At the funeral for his two daughters and wife who were killed at Port Arthur, our Founding Patron, Walter Mikac AM, held three irises. 

One each for six-year-old Alannah, three-year-old Madeline, and their mother, Nanette. 

We invite you to add an iris to fill the Memorial Garden and spread messages of hope, love and support.

*Please note that your message will be shared publicly on the online Port Arthur Memorial Garden. The Alannah & Madeline Foundation reserves the right to remove messages to ensure respect for those impacted by the Port Arthur tragedy.

Deborah Morris

It was my honour to work for AMF and support Walter's vision of a safe world for children. Like so many Australians, I remember that horrific day 30 years ago. Never forgotten, Alannah and Madeline.

Wendy Beggs

I remember the day well. Visited 10 years later sat in garden reflecting. Grief is like glitter you can still find it in the corner somewhere x

Debra Coleman

Such a tragic day for Australia, for Tasmania, for the residents on the Peninsula… for family members. Thinking of my cousin Sue and family as we approach this Anniversary. Too many years without your bright & bubbly daughter, a life taken unnecessarily and way too early. RIP Nicole Burgess Thoughts are with the families of all that lost their lives that tragic day

Mary Paton

I can’t believe we are 30 years on I am all grown up with two little girls of my own… Lani, Nanette and Maddy you changed my life forever, I feel blessed to have loved you, to have enjoyed times in life with you, since you left the journey has never been without you. I often have and do ask myself -what would Alannah do? The enthusiasm confidence and love for life I diligently have carried on, knowing you would be proud of me. I try to make the best, most loving moments because of you! I have been broken and relived the trauma of that day as an adult suffering from PTSD and I just can’t explain how grateful and profoundly blessed your foundation and Walter’s courage has made me and millions of others! I love you all the way through the heavens and back!

Melissa

My heart is with every family and loved one who still feels that loss, and with the survivors who carry the weight of that day. I can’t begin to understand what you’ve been through, but I stand with you in remembrance, respect, and compassion. May those who were taken never be forgotten, and may those who live on feel surrounded by support, strength, and care — today and always. God bless

Melissa Doyle, AMF Ambassador

35 precious lives lost at Port Arthur on that quiet Sunday afternoon 30 years ago. We remember them all and send love to the survivors, the first responders and every single person impacted by an event that rocked us all to our very core. And to Walter Mikac - from devastation you built a legacy that has saved so many children's lives. I am in awe 💜

Stephanie Rigby

We will always remember them it will always be be a special place in tassie

Narelle

Such a tragic event and an unimaginable grief journey for all involved 30 years ago. It's so important that this Foundation exists, to help children at risk, by people who care for them. Wishing all involved in this 30th anniversary peace and healing 🪻

Cyndy Troman

30 years......remembered like yesterday. Thank you Walter and all of the wonderful people who work so hard at the Alannah and Madeline foundation. From something so truly sad has come an amazing legacy. Walter, Nanette, Alannah and Madeline were treasured members of our small but beautiful community and are always in our thoughts along with the other beloved souls that were lost on that life changing day ❤️💔❤️

All victims and survivors

My love and prayers go out to you all ❤️‍🩹 forever loved , forever remembered ❤️‍🩹

Andy Maxey

The work that has been done in Alannah and Madeline's name is truly inspirational. So many children have been helped by the determination of Walter. To dedicate yourself to bring so much light to the world from a place of darkness is beyond what so many could possibly conceive. Thoughts are with everyone impacted by the events of that day.

Macca

To everyone that lost a loved one from this terrible tragedy, they will be remembered and they will live on through this foundation and through stories and the love everyone has for them. They will never be forgotten, and you will be ok💗💗

Lisa

I - and I’m sure many other Australians - remember that day so vividly. It is hard to believe that 30 years have passed since the day that changed the lives of so many families, including that of Walter, Nanette, Alannah, and Madeline, and more broadly, the fabric of Australia. I admire the strength and resilience of all survivors and communities living with this loss and am in awe of the legacy that Walter and others around him built and sustained to not only honour his beloved girls, but to shine a light on a positive, hope-filled path forward for children and young people. I am proud to work in the names of Alannah and Madeline Mikac, and for a foundation that strives to enable a world where children and young people live a happy and safe life, free from violence and trauma.

Ariana Kurzeme

I remember all those who were taken from us at Port Arthur, and I hold close the families, survivors and communities living with this loss, thirty years on. The image of Walter holding three irises, one for six‑year‑old Alannah, three‑year‑old Madeline, and their mother, Nanette stays with me always. It speaks to unimaginable grief, enduring love, and a resolve to create meaning in the face of tragedy. That image continues to guide and inspire me. It is a deep privilege to work in the name of Alannah and Madeline, carrying forward a legacy born from love, loss, and an unwavering commitment to protect children and families. I am adding my iris to the Memorial Garden, to help spread a message of hope, love and support, and to honour the lives we remember — today and always.

Rana Stuart

I remember the day like it was yesterday,our worlds stood still . Those who lost their lives will and have never been forgotten in the hearts of us all forever more.

Helena Edwards

Thirty years ago, the world lives full of meaning, love, and stories that should have had more time. Their absence is still felt, their memory still lives in every heart they touched. Time may pass, but it never takes them with it. They remain in us—in the way we love, remember, and hold on. Forever remembered. Never forgotten.

Melissa Martin

How can it be 30 years - the immediacy of this tragedy is so vivid in my mind. I honour the memory of those who died and send love to those who grieve. In sorrow and solidarity with you all, today and always.

Judith Dor’e

Where has 30 years gone; my heart still breaks for Walter and his beloved lost family of Nanette, Madeline and Alannah. I’m happy to plant an iris in their memory

Mel

Thirty years on, the weight of this moment is still felt. We remember, always. Thank you, Walter, for the courage and quiet strength you have shown, and for all you continue to give.

Clare

I was 15 then, I'm 45 now, I never forgot your about girls and I never will. Rest in peace.

Debbie Jones

I was just recently at Port Arthur and went and paid my respects to all those that lost there lives..❤️❤️ May you all rest in peace.❤️

Kai

My heart is with everyone who carries the weight of that day. Their legacy lives on in the love and strength shown since. Walter, your compassion and commitment to honouring them continues to shine so brightly and you truly are an inspiration to so many.

Sarah Davies

I honour all the victims, their families, the survivors and first responders - unthinkable tragedy and loss. Having the privilege to work for the Foundation that gives life to Alannah's and Madeline's legacy, and acknowledging their mother Nanette, is something we take very seriously and feel every day. We continue to be inspired by Walter, by the survivors and by the amazing first responders who are part of our community today: thank you.

Jessie

I still remember that terrible day and the courage of Walter Mikac and the survivors in their fight for justice. I'm grateful to live in a country shaped by their decency and determination.

Zoe

Remembering the victims, 30 years on. Walter, your strength is deeply admirable. Thank you for your courage in helping make Australia a safer place after such tragedy.

Louisa

In honour of Alannah, Madeline, Nanette and all those impacted by the Port Arthur tragedy. Their names are remembered and won't be forgotten. Walter, what incredible strength, love and hope you and the Foundation have championed 30 years on.

Marina

Sending love and support to all impacted by this tragedy. Thirty years on and we should all strive to live each day with hope, joy and love.

Andrew

In memory of Alannah, Madeline, Nanette and every other life forever changed at Port Arthur. Walter you are such an inspiration, ensuring their memory lives on through the Foundation’s legacy. Thank you for your continued courage and strength.

Martin

Heartfelt condolences to all who were impacted on that terrible day. Hard to believe it's been 30 years - they shall be forever remembered. Planting some Iris bulbs this weekend.

Jeremy

No person should have to suffer this cruelty. In honour of Alannah, Madeline, Nanette and all who lost their lives at Port Arthur. They are still making a difference.

Lana

It's incredible to think that thirty years have passed. It's important we remember and never forget. Thank you Walter for the incredible courage and strength you have shown since.

Pam

Thirty years on, their lives are remembered and their legacy never forgotten.

Fighting for their right to be safe, 30 years on

Today, the Alannah & Madeline Foundation continues the work Alannah and Madeline's father, Walter began on the founding belief that all children should have a safe and happy childhood without being subjected to any form of violence.

We are honoured to continue their legacy to fight for children's right to be safe – and to ensure their names are never forgotten.