Walter Mikac’s Message on the 30th Anniversary of the Port Arthur Massacre

Walter Mikac, who lost his wife Nanette and daughters Alannah and Madeline in the 1996 Port Arthur massacre, continues to advocate for strong gun laws and support for victims of violent crime three decades after the tragedy that claimed 35 lives.

A Father’s Loss and Lifelong Advocacy

On 28 April 1996, Martin Bryant carried out Australia’s worst mass shooting at the historic Port Arthur site in Tasmania, killing 35 people and wounding 23 others. Among the victims were Walter Mikac’s wife Nanette Mikac (née Moulton) and their two young daughters, six-year-old Alannah and three-year-old Madeline.

In the aftermath of this devastating loss, Mikac became a prominent advocate for tightening gun laws across Australia. His advocacy played a significant role in the national firearms reform that followed the massacre, which led to some of the strongest firearm safety frameworks in the world.

Mikac co-founded The Alannah and Madeline Foundation in memory of his daughters to provide support for children who are victims of violent crime. The foundation has since grown into a thriving children’s charity with national impact.

Continued Vigilance Against Gun Law Weakening

As Australia marks the 30th anniversary of the Port Arthur massacre, Mikac has expressed deep concern about proposed changes to gun laws in New South Wales that he believes threaten the progress made since 1996.

In August 2025, Mikac publicly criticized a conservation hunting bill introduced by the Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party in NSW, which would legalise silencers and expand access to firearms for hunting invasive species on public land. He described the legislation as “nothing more than a Trojan horse for the gun lobby” that risks negating Australia’s firearms restrictions.

Mikac warned that NSW is “on the verge of undoing the only positive thing that came out of Port Arthur that day – the political commitment for Australia to have one of the strongest firearm safety frameworks in the world.” He urged Premier Chris Minns to take a clear stance against the proposed changes.

A Legacy of Resilience and Hope

Beyond his advocacy work, Mikac has shared his story of grief and resilience as a motivational speaker and author. He has written books including To Have And To Hold and The Circle of Life: Replacing Hardship with Love, which detail his journey through tragedy and recovery.

In 2000, Mikac married sports journalist Kim Sporton, and they had a daughter, Isabella, in 2001. Although Mikac and Sporton are now separated, he continues to draw strength from his family while honoring the memory of Nanette, Alannah, and Madeline.

His contributions to community safety and child protection were recognized in 2018 when he was made a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the Australia Day Honours “For significant service to the community as an advocate for gun control, and to the protection of children through social welfare programs.”

Queen Mary of Denmark serves as patron of The Alannah and Madeline Foundation, reflecting the international impact of Mikac’s work to transform personal tragedy into meaningful change for children affected by violence.

Remembering Port Arthur Thirty Years On

As the nation reflects on three decades since the Port Arthur massacre, Mikac’s message remains clear: the lessons of that tragic day must not be forgotten, and vigilance is required to maintain the gun safety reforms that emerged from Australia’s darkest moment.

Through his ongoing advocacy, public speaking, and charitable work, Walter Mikac continues to honor his lost family while working to prevent other families from experiencing similar devastation.

Key Takeaways

• Walter Mikac lost his wife Nanette and daughters Alannah (6) and Madeline (3) in the 1996 Port Arthur massacre that killed 35 people.
• He became a leading advocate for gun law reform following the tragedy, contributing to Australia’s strong firearms regulations.
• Mikac co-founded The Alannah and Madeline Foundation to support child victims of violent crime.
• In 2025, he warned against NSW gun law changes that would legalise silencers and expand firearm access, calling them a “Trojan horse for the gun lobby.”
• He was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in 2018 for his advocacy and community service.
• Mikac shares his story of resilience through motivational speaking and authorship.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who was Walter Mikac’s family that died in the Port Arthur massacre?
   Walter Mikac’s wife Nanette Mikac (née Moulton) and their daughters, six-year-old Alannah Mikac and three-year-old Madeline Mikac, were killed in the Port Arthur massacre on 28 April 1996.
2. What is The Alannah and Madeline Foundation?
   The Alannah and Madeline Foundation is a children’s charity co-founded by Walter Mikac in memory of his daughters to provide support for children who are victims of violent crime. Queen Mary of Denmark serves as its patron.
3. What honors has Walter Mikac received for his advocacy?
   Walter Mikac was made a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the 2018 Australia Day Honours for “significant service to the community as an advocate for gun control, and to the protection of children through social welfare programs.”
4. What is Walter Mikac’s position on recent gun law proposals in NSW?
   Walter Mikac has opposed proposed changes to NSW gun laws that would legalise silencers and recognize a “right to hunt” on public land, stating they risk undoing the firearms restrictions introduced after the Port Arthur massacre and are a “Trojan horse for the gun lobby.”