Walter Mikac
Walter Mikac is an Australian pharmacist who became widely known in the aftermath of the Port Arthur massacre, where his wife Nanette Mikac and daughters, six-year-old Alannah Mikac and three-year-old Madeline Mikac were among 35 people killed by Martin Bryant on 28 April 1996.
In the subsequent debate surrounding gun politics in Australia, Mikac became a prominent advocate for tightening gun laws.
Today, Walter works as a motivational speaker and is the author of a book called To Have And To Hold. He has also written a book called The Circle of Life: Replacing Hardship with Love about dealing with grief and tragedy when it strikes. He was also a co-founder of The Alannah and Madeline Foundation, which was set up in their memory to provide support for children who are the victims of violent crime. Crown Princess Mary of Denmark is the patron of the Foundation. In 2000, he married sports journalist Kim Sporton in a private ceremony and then in 2001 they had a daughter, Isabella. Mikac and Sporton are separated.
Mikac was made a Member of the Order of Australia 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."
