While on his way to buy Christmas presents for his family at a local shopping centre, he went missing.
He was last seen wearing a red t-shirt, waiting for a bus at 10 minutes past 2pm on Sunday 7th December 2003. He was abducted and murdered; after years of searching and an incredible undercover police investigation Daniel was finally found in 2011.
Daniel’s parents, Bruce and Denise started the Daniel Morcombe Foundation to give back to the community who had supported them from the day that Daniel went missing. Today, the Daniel Morcombe Foundation is one of the most well known not for profit child safety organisations in Australia. Daniel’s story changed child safety in Australia and the determination and dedication of his parents has inspired the entire nation.
The red t-shirt Daniel was wearing the day he went missing has become a symbol of child safety awareness. Every year, thousands of people dress up in red for an annual National Day of Action for Child Safety, held on the last Friday in October: Day for Daniel.
The Foundation’s work supports children, young people, parents, carers, educators and communities through practical education and awareness.
Resources that help children recognise, react and report unsafe situations.
Practical support for young victims of crime and affected families.
National campaigns and events that keep child safety front of mind.
Education tools for teachers, parents and carers to use with confidence.
From awareness campaigns to education resources and national events, Daniel’s legacy continues to create lasting impact.
Daniel was last seen waiting for a bus in Palmwoods. He was on his way to buy Christmas presents for his family when he went missing.
Daniel was last seen waiting for a bus in Palmwoods. He was on his way to buy Christmas presents for his family when he went missing.
Daniel’s parents Bruce and Denise started the Foundation as a way to give back to the community by educating other children how to stay safe.
The first Day and Walk for Daniel – the first walk drew 90 supporters. Participants were encouraged to wear red, the same colour Daniel was wearing the day he disappeared.
The Daniel Morcombe Foundation launches its first child safety education resource ‘Foundation Red’. The DVD including videos was updated until 2014.
Bruce and Denise Morcombe recognised as Queensland Child Safety Ambassadors, and the Daniel Morcombe Foundation won the Queensland Child Protection Week Awards Education Initiative Award.
After years of investigations and a secret undercover police operation, the arrest of the predator was finally made and Daniel was found and brought home.
The Queensland Education Minister John-Paul Langbroek launches prep to year 2 phase of Daniel Morcombe Child Safety Curriculum. Years 3 to 6 and 7 to 9 were launched over the following 10 months.
The Daniel Morcombe Foundation’s Day for Daniel won Queensland Child Protection Week Awards Media and Communication Award
Keeping Kids Safe resource kits sent to all schools to help educate children and young people on personal safety.
The first Walk for Daniel drew around 90 supporters in 2005. In 2014 over 1,500 people attended the annual Sunshine Coast event.
This award winning resource replaced the Foundation Red DVD, together the video and activities resource kit has ben distributed over 60,000 times.
The first Australia’s Biggest Child Safety Lesson videos were released to schools. The Foundation is excited to release the ninth installment in 2025.
Australia’s Biggest Child Safety Lesson wins Queensland Child Protection Week Awards Education Initiative Award.
Day for Daniel receives silver award in the community led category of the 2018 Australian Crime and Violence Prevention Awards.
The Daniel Morcombe Foundation was honoured at the 2018 Sunshine Coast Australia Day Awards with the Community Award.
The Daniel Morcombe Foundation’s office, Daniel House, officially opens at Palmwoods.
Bruce and Denise Morcombe recognised as ‘Child Safety Champions’ at the Queensland Government’s 2020 Queensland Greats Awards.
Changing Futures launched to educate frontline workers about identifying and responding to harmful sexual behaviours.
The first My Walk for Daniel is launched during Covid-19, encouraging people around the country to walk 4km for Daniel wherever they are located.
Safe Bedrooms educational initiative is launched with videos aimed at educating children, parents and carers on how to recognise suss behaviours and online grooming.
Interactive educational resource Challenges and Choices is released to teach children important safety messages about staying safe online.
The Daniel Morcombe Foundation launches Bright Futures – an innovative program aimed at addressing the growing prevalence of harmful sexual behaviour and technology-assisted harmful sexual behaviour.
The Daniel Morcombe Foundation launches That’s Suss – eSafety Challenge, providing children skills to recognise, react and report online grooming and suspicious behaviours.
Bruce and Denise were honoured to receive the 2023 Sunshine Coast Senior Leadership Award.
Denise and Bruce Morcombe launch the Foundation’s 20th year with a 21-day Time To Talk Road Trip.
The 20th Walk for Daniel has the largest turnout in two decades and our first digital children’s book – Wobbly Jelly – is released online.
There are many ways to help us keep more Australian children safe.
