A very Happy Father's Day to all dad's around Lismore and the Northern Rivers.

Lismore-born Australian sporting personality Craig Foster (Fozzy) is Australian Father of the Year honouring his role as a father, sporting figure, youth mentor, coach and a father figure to vulnerable refugees.

The awards held in Sydney last week at the TAG Foundation Grandstand, shone a light on the critical role of fathering in the lead-up to Father’s Day by honouring “fathers” who have contributed to family, community and youth.Presented by The Fathering Project, a not-for-profit organisation focused on giving a child the best life possible through better fathering, the awards compered by Adam Liaw included a keynote address by Maggie Dent, well-known Australian parenting author, educator and podcaster who has worked for over 40 years in schools and communities, and commentary by Maurice Newman AC, chair of the Australian Fathers Day Council.

Commenting on the 2022 Australian Fathering Awards, CEO of The Fathering Project Káti Gapaillard said “Research shows that fathers have a lasting impact on the mental, physical, emotional and academic outcomes of their children. Perhaps the greatest benefit of fathers’ intentional engagement in caregiving is it breaks inter-generational cycles of harm and neglect and creates gender equity and balance for both mothers and fathers. This is why we are thrilled to recognise and celebrate Australian fathers and workplaces who have gone above and beyond to ensure children and families stay connected and thrive”.

Award recipient Craig Foster ( Fozzy) said, "As our First Nations say, taking care of a child is 'everyone's business' and together we all impact children and youth around us across all cultural or other boundaries through the power of our words and actions. Male role models, whether fathers, teachers, sport coaches or mentors have a deep responsibility to care for and protect young people over who they exert such power. Together we can raise respectful males, young Australians who reject racism and love our cultural diversity, and young women capable of smashing gender barriers.

Parenting presents a vast number of challenges for all of us, and The Fathering Project provides a space for males to be present in their child’s life, develop deeper relationships and support their children's growth. It also provides tools to break negative behavioural cycles and build stronger relationships that have such a profound impact on young people. Heading into Father's Day 2022, my message to all fathers and males positively impacting young lives”.

This year, the Australian Father of the Year awards also included three new categories nominated by community members which included: Australian Community Father of the Year, Australian Sporting Father of the Year and Australia’s Best Workplace for Fathers.

Winner of Australian Community Father of the Year was Rick Pekan from Western Australia, who is a father of 4 biological children and 2 long term foster children and has played the fathering role for over 50 other children in Out Of Home Care and says he has perfected the art of falling asleep with a baby safely nestled in his arms.

Winner of Australian Sports Father of the Year was Isaac Thomas from Western Australia, who is father to five young girls. For the last 10 years Isaac Thomas has changed the culture of a Public High School, thanks to his initiative of a “Tryathon” which champions young adults to practice gratitude and selflessness whilst helping to raise funds for less fortunate kids. These cohorts have collectively raised over $275,000.

Winner of Australia’s Best Workplace for Father’s was KPMG. KPMG has one of the market leading gender-neutral parental leave policies, offering 26 weeks paid parental leave for all parents (inclusive of circumstances) and can be used flexibly within 24 months from the time a child joins their family.  KPMG’s hybrid flexible working model allows all employees to work where it makes sense for them on that day, whether that is at home, the office or on client sites. This approach helps form a bridge between work and family life for employees.  There are a range of support services in place for all working parents and carers. This includes the partnership with Parents at Work, allowing employees to have access to the Family&Caring @KPMG hub with resources specifically for fathers.

About The Fathering Project

The Fathering Project is a national charity that transforms children’s lives by educating, supporting and empowering Dads. Research shows children with an engaged father or father figure have significantly better social, mental, physical and academic outcomes.

Read more at www.thefatheringproject.org

While we celebrate Father’s Day 2022 and reflect on the important role fathers, mentors and father figures play in a young person’s life: the science behind fathering, did you know?

- 71% of all high school dropouts come from fatherless homes – 9 times the average.

- 75% of all adolescent patients in chemical abuse centres come from fatherless homes – 10 times the average.

- 63% of youth suicides are from fatherless homes – 5 times the average.

- 90% of all homeless and runaway children are from fatherless homes – 32 times the average