Our mission

The Fathering Project educates, connects and mobilises fathers and families to create brighter futures for children. We do this with research-based prevention and early intervention programs and resources that engage, inform, inspire, equip and support fathers, families, schools, corporates and community-based organisations.

We transform lives through better fathering

We help dads to be the best dads they can be, for themselves, their children and their families. We partner with individuals and communities to change lives for the better, by:

  • Undertake high-impact research to understand how fathers impact their children’s lives from the perinatal period to adulthood and how they can connect with them to prevent and reduce demand for high intensity and crisis services in the future.
  • Deliver prevention and early intervention programs and services to improve father and family relationships and connectedness.
  • Build community awareness about the crucial impact fathers have on their children’s lives, through awareness campaigns, prevention and research-based information and resources.
  • Provide tools and resources to support fathers, families and communities and prevent and reduce numbers experiencing high rates of suicide, domestic violence, anti-social or extremist behaviour and poor mental health.
  • Provide support and outreach services to vulnerable and at-risk fathers and communities to prevent issues such as abuse, neglect, disengagement and trauma.
  • Advocate to governments and industry, for increased awareness of fathers’ changing roles in society, work and family and for funding and resources to invest in prevention and early intervention evidence-based programs, which offer the best long term outcomes for children and families.
  • Support professionals who work with fathers, children, and families to prevent long term social and emotional issues and build strong and enduring relationships in families and between fathers and children.
  • Build family and community resilience and capacity to prevent long term negative impacts.  

It’s simple: We want every Australian child to have an effective father or father figure to prevent long term social, emotional and cognitive difficulties and create the

conditions for children to thrive.

Our Mission

Our mission is to improve the lives and futures of children by inspiring and equipping fathers and father figures to be positively engaged, connected, and confident in their role.

We support this mission through:

  • Positive father engagement programs
  • Support services for dads and father figures
  • Parenting information and practical resources
  • Partnerships with schools and communities
  • Prevention and early intervention initiatives
  • One-on-One intensive case management
  • Evidence-based education and research

At the heart of everything we do is a simple belief:

When dads are supported, children thrive.

two person step on gray soil

Our Vision

We envision an Australia where no child misses out on the love, support and presence of a caring father or father figure. Where parenting is shared, inclusive, and valued. And where every child, no matter their background, can thrive in the knowledge that they are seen, supported, and safe.

Because when we invest in fathers, we are investing in children.

And when children thrive, so does the future we all share.

Our Values

Our values guide how we work with fathers, families, schools, communities, and partners. They help us create safe, supportive environments where people feel welcomed, heard, and understood.

We build
Trusted Relationships

We believe strong relationships create strong families.

Our programs are built on trust, respect, and genuine connection — helping fathers feel supported, not judged. We walk alongside dads, offering guidance and community, so they never feel alone in navigating fatherhood.

This value strengthens:

  • family partnership programs
  • father engagement in schools
  • community support for dads

We are
Respectful

We listen with care and value every person’s story.

Our work honours cultural diversity, lived experience, and the unique strengths within every family.

Respect shows up in how we:

  • welcome fathers and father figures from all backgrounds
  • create safe spaces for open conversations
  • support the social and emotional wellbeing of children

We are
Responsive

Families’ needs change — and so do our programs.

We adapt quickly, learn continuously, and respond to new challenges and opportunities in father engagement and community wellbeing.

Being responsive helps us:

  • meet the needs of vulnerable families
  • reduce risk factors and increase protective factors
  • offer timely, practical support programs for fathers and schools

We deliver
Resuls

We’re committed to making a real impact in the lives of children.

Our programs are shaped by research, community insights, and evidence-based approaches that promote long-term positive outcomes.

This means we focus on:

  • child wellbeing and mental health
  • strengthening families and relationships
  • early intervention and preventative support
  • breaking the cycle of disadvantage

How Our Values Help Families Thrive

Our values ensure every dad feels welcomed, supported, and encouraged to grow.
They guide the way we build resources, design programs, partner with schools, and walk alongside communities.

Most importantly, they help us create a future where every child can flourish — supported by a father or father figure who is confident, caring, and positively engaged.

We create impact through:

  • School-based father engagement programs
  • Community-led support groups
  • Tailored one-on-one case management support 
  • Digital resources for dads and families
  • Workshops and events across Australia
  • Advocacy and research that influence long-term change

Our approach strengthens father–child relationships and supports healthier, more connected families.

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