Walter Mikac

Alannah and Madeline's father, Walter Mikac, Phil West and a small group of volunteers, worked hard to set up the Foundation, some 12 years ago. Today, Walter is a Patron of the Foundation and a professional speaker who talks about courage and the key strategies to surviving challenges to create extraordinary outcomes. 

'I am so proud of The Alannah and Madeline Foundation as it is a daily reminder of the goodwill and love that is generated when a tragic situation occurs.

As in my situation, it reinforces that people are intrinsically good and will step outside their comfort zone when they relate to the pain that may be felt.

When the Foundation started as a baby in 1997, I hoped it would help children who couldn't understand why these bad or violent things happened to them. Today, 12 years on, the Foundation is a teenager that is blossoming on all fronts.

Our Better Buddies Framework, helping to create caring and friendly schools where bullying is reduced is in schools across Australia with the help of NAB and flourishing with a message that will not only help our kids into the future, but the entire community.

Our Care programs help children in need, providing essential items through our Buddy Bags Program and providing intensive support to children suffering the terrible impact of violence, to help them recover.

Our Cybersafety and Wellbeing Initiative is in development and will be an invaluable service to keep our children safe in a world where technology is changing so quickly.

All in all, an achievement that I couldn't have dreamt of when we had our first formal meeting at the offices of 3AW in 1997.

It would make my daughters smile to know they are being remembered in such a helpful and beautiful way.

The Foundation would not have got to where it is today without the tireless work of all involved. From John Bertrand's enthusiasm and energy to all the great people who have been on our boards, from CEO Judith Slocombe's persistence and drive to all our patrons and ambassadors. With special thanks to HRH Princess Mary of Denmark who has elevated our awareness to a world level. To the volunteers, sponsors, families and friends who have contributed. I would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Awesome job so far, but with the world changing so fast, our children need all the help we can give them.

Walter Mikac, Patron and Co-Founder, The Alannah and Madeline Foundation