Remembering the Port Arthur Tragedy 25 Years Later

Hundreds of supporters turned up on the First Responders Walk helping to raise a total of $103,800 while raising awareness and funds for the Alannah & Madeline Foundation’s Buddy Bags program.

From 16 April to 27 April 2021, the 410km walk goes from South Melbourne to Devonport to Hobart raising awareness and funds for the Alannah and Madeline Foundation in tribute to the Port Arthur tragedy 25 years ago.

In 1996, Craig Harwood and Michael Hayes were members of the Victoria Police’s First Responders as tactical team leaders from the Special Operations Group who were deployed by Tasmania Police and Jim Morrison the former Tasmania Police’s Special Operations Group Commander, to assist in the siege at Port Arthur on the night and into the morning of 28 and 29 April, when 35 people lost their lives.

It was the first time Victoria Police had been called on to assist interstate. What happened next was something Craig, Michael, and Jim have never forgotten.

“We are doing this because it takes us back to the core of what the Foundation is all about - protecting children from violence. Two small children - Alannah and Madeline Mikac - were killed with their mother that day.

Many people lost their lives and many more injured and forever changed on that dreadful day. But the country has taken many positive steps forward. We want to highlight the good things that have come from that terrible incident. And we want to fundraise for this great charity which gives back to our community.

"It’s a long time since we’ve been to Port Arthur, but we will never forget.”

All donations contribute to the vital funds needed to protect the community's most vulnerable children. 

Fundraising page - https://www.mycause.com.au/events/firstresponderswalk

Media article (published 16 April, 2021) - 

https://www.theadvocate.com.au/story/7211919/ex-cop-returning-to-port-arthur-for-first-time-to-raise-cash/