The 28th of April 2026 will mark 30 years since the 1996 tragedy at Port Arthur.
For many, it will be a time of quiet remembrance and reflection. Others may find greater solace in coming together in some way.
To ensure the day is marked in a way that reflects the diverse experiences and needs of the communities of people impacted, we established a Committee in August 2025 to hear from those who wished to share.
Over the past three months, the open consultation has gathered extensive feedback from a range of individuals and organisations including survivors, family who lost loved ones, first responders, the local community, staff, local government representatives, and State and Federal Parliamentarians.
The Committee has respectfully and comprehensively considered the feedback, and with the support of a trauma-informed practitioner, it has made a recommendation: to hold a commemorative event to mark the 30th anniversary of the tragedy at Port Arthur.
On Tuesday the 28th of April 2026, Port Arthur will observe a day of reflection. A commemorative event, Words of Love, will be held at 12:30 pm to provide an opportunity to gather in remembrance, reflection and enduring connection.
The final details of the commemorative event will be considered and determined in coming months by a Planning Committee, led by Port Arthur CEO Will Flamsteed.
While no formal invitations will be sent, everyone is welcome to join the remembrance and will be asked to please register their intent to attend at consultation@portarthur.org.au
The Planning Committee will provide an update on further details on this page in February 2026.
If you have any questions or wish to be kept informed directly, please contact us at: consultation@portarthur.org.au
