Celebrating Coffs harbour Dads

Federal Children’s Minister Larry Anthony was in Coffs Harbour today to launch a series of ten posters by UnitingCare Burnside promoting the role of fatherhood in Australian society.

“I am here at the invitation of Cowper MP Luke Hartsuyker who is a very forceful advocate for local dads and I am very glad he brought me to this important launch,” Mr Anthony said.

“From enjoying time together outside, sharing a story and having the kids in to see where dad works, each poster carries the message “I’m a dad. I’m important. I’m involved for life” providing a positive reminder of how important fathers are to their children.

“Recently we celebrated Fathers Day, however Father’s Day only takes place once a year and the important contributions fathers can make to the lives of their children should be recognised and encouraged every day of the year.

“Resources such as UnitingCare Burnside’s poster series provide us all with a friendly reminder of how important fathers can be and encourages dads to actively participate in their children’s lives right from the start.

“These posters, featuring ten of Coffs Harbour’s dads and their children, have been developed by UnitingCare Burnside’s I’m a dad service to encourage first time fathers to enjoy and experience all aspects of parenting their children.

“The I’m a dad service has been operating in Coffs Harbour for two years now, providing new fathers with information and support in taking on their new role, which can at times seem challenging or daunting,” Mr Anthony said.

I’m a dad is one of 52 men’s services around Australia, funded under the Coalition Government’s five year $22 million Men and Family Relationship initiative which was established to develop innovative new ways of working with men to build stronger family relationships or deal with the consequences of relationship breakdown.