Daniel’s story and legacy

Daniel Morcombe was a 13 year old boy, living with his parents and brothers in the town of Palmwoods on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland.

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.

Counting down the time until
Day for Daniel!

Day for Daniel

Friday 31 October, 2025