Alannah & Madeline Foundation appoints Prime Minister as National Patron

Freya Lucas

Oct 11, 2022

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Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is now the National Patron of children’s not-for-profit organisation the Alannah & Madeline Foundation.

The Foundation was launched in 1997 by Founding Patron Walter Mikac AM in honour of his daughters, Alannah and Madeline, who were killed alongside their mother in the Port Arthur massacre.

Prime Minister Albanese joins Mr Mikac, International Patron HRH Crown Princess Mary of Denmark and the Hon. Barbara Baker AC as Tasmanian Patron in supporting the Foundation in its work championing the right of children and young people to live happy, safe and strong.

Since the launch of the Foundation, the National Patronage has been held by every sitting Prime Minister. Prime Minister Albanese will also continue the bipartisan support for firearm safety through the National Firearms Agreement, first established by then Prime Minister John Howard after the Port Arthur tragedy.

“I am delighted to become the National Patron of the Foundation and proud to offer my ongoing support to its work and commitment to a safe and happy childhood for all Australians,” Mr Albanese said.

“Over 25 years, the Alannah & Madeline Foundation has had an incredible impact, supporting more than three million Australian children and their families.”

To date, the Foundation has supported three million children and their families and is now a leading national organisation dedicated to keeping children and young people free from violence and trauma wherever they live, learn and play.

The Foundation’s CEO Sarah Davies AM said its impact continues through care, prevention and advocacy - from supporting children to heal and recover from trauma, to empowering positive digital citizens and, through Dolly’s Dream, to address and prevent bullying.

“After 25 years, the challenges facing children and young people may have changed, but our founding belief has not. We fight for their right to be safe, so their future is strong,” she said.

“We have made a great difference in our first 25 years. Our challenge over the next few is to meet the growing demand for our services to protect and rebuild young lives.”Learn more about the work of the Foundation here.

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