Council secures $140k for Dads Matter program

Published on 14 February 2024

New fathers are invited to share what they want and need to make their parenthood journey more rewarding for them and their children. 

Corangamite Shire’s Maternal and Child Health Service has secured State Government funding to embark on a four-year Dads Program. 

Council Director Corporate and Community Services David Harrington said the Government has funded a number of organisations across the state.

“The program aims to involve Dads in all aspects of their baby’s or child’s health,” he said.

“That includes wellbeing and development from birth to the end of their kindergarten years.

“Particularly for a first-time parent, there’s a lot to learn and sometimes you don’t know what you don’t know’ Mr Harrington said.

The father of two — a daughter aged 9 and a son, 8 — said he could have taken benefited from a similar program if it had been available when he first became a dad.

“Dads have a key role in the family and want to understand their child’s health and development needs.

“We need to be ready to help with everything from feeding and nutrition, playing and maximizing learning, sleep or behaviour problems, child safety and more.

“Dads’ knowledge, support and involvement benefits everyone in the family.”

“We want to hear from dads so we can build a program that suits their needs.”

Mayor Kate Makin invited dads to join a reference group for the program which will meet a few times each year.

“We are keen to hear from local dads on the kind of things they would like to learn about and share with other fathers,” she said.

“It could mean setting up a dads’ playgroup or having some knowledge and skills sessions in venues such as the local men’s sheds and community houses.

"It could mean finding ways to include working dads outside business or farm hours.”

Council will recruit a part-time facilitator to work with the reference group and community.

A survey will be launched on Council’s website to capture dads’ ideas for the project.

For more information about the program or joining the reference group, dads can contact