Media Release by The Hon Paul Fletcher MP

Improving engagement between fathers and their children

The Liberal-National Government is investing $5.4 million in a program to improve engagement between fathers and their children.

The Fathering Project was founded in Western Australia in 2013 to tackle the problems of child substance abuse, suicide and self-harm.

Federal Minister for Families and Social Services, Paul Fletcher, has announced that the Liberal-National Government will provide $5.4 million, over three years, to support its expansion.

“The Fathering Project strives to inspire fathers and father figures to become the best Dads they can be to benefit their children, and also to equip them to engage with their children in an effective way,” Mr Fletcher said.

“Through initiatives like their Dads Group program, The Fathering Project takes a preventative approach that seeks to stop or reduce problems before they occur.”

“Our investment will enable the Fathering Project to expand nationally from its current operations in WA, Victoria, Queensland and New South Wales”.

CEO of The Fathering Project Wayne Bradshaw said he is looking forward to rolling out the model nationally.

“We are looking forward to rolling out our national expansion model and reaching even more Australian families, inspiring and equipping fathers and father-figures to be engaged with the young people in their lives and consequently improving outcomes for kids,” said Mr Bradshaw.  

“Research shows that an effective father figure has a huge impact on a child’s development. We help fathers and father figures to be the best they can be.”

The Government will support the project in two key areas:

  • The expansion of the Fathering Project’s schools program around the country, through the establishment of self-supporting and collaborative dads groups within schools to support fathers to better engage with their children.  
  • The development of an enhanced digital presence to facilitate better engagement with fathers online, including through the development of a range of resources for fathers. The Fathering Project also develops and publishes resources, guides and tips around effective fathering.

For more information on the Fathering Project, visit https://thefatheringproject.org