Access the recordings for free
The Fathering Summit 2026 created space for important conversations about the future of fathering, the challenges facing families today, and the opportunities we have to better support men in their fathering role. From systems and policy change, shifts in societal norms and attitudes, to further developing programs and services that are father-specific. The following panel sessions provide insights about the future of fathering.
Across the final panel discussions, speakers explored themes including:
- Masculinity and raising boys
- Men’s mental health
- Family safety
- Disadvantage and social inequity: breaking down barriers to engaged fatherhood
Whether you attended the Summit or are discovering the conversations for the first time, we invite you to watch, reflect and share these recordings with others who are passionate about supporting fathers, families and children.
Masculinity and raising boys: Navigating modern boyhood
In this combined keynote and panel session, Dr Judy Chu explores how boys’ natural capacities for empathy, connection, and emotional expression are often shaped – and at times constrained – by cultural expectations around masculinity.
Drawing on decades of research in boys’ psychosocial development, Dr Chu offers evidence-based insights into how parents, educators, and communities can better support boys to stay emotionally open, relationally strong, and confident in their sense of self.
The discussion then expands into a broader panel conversation on masculinity and raising boys, examining how ideas of healthy masculinity are formed, the emotional needs of boys, and the significant role fathers and caregivers play in shaping identity and wellbeing.
Together, the session highlights how boys are socialised, and why prioritising connection over performance can help foster emotionally healthy, grounded young men.
Speakers include:
- Dr Judy Chu, Educator, Advisor, Author, Researcher of Boys’ Relationships and Development
- Dr Zac Seidler: Global Director of Research, Movember
- Sonia Shaljean: Founder and Managing Director of Lads need Dads
- Ben Vasiliou: CEO, The Man Cave
Men's mental health: Building resilience and connection
A facilitated panel exploring men’s mental health, resilience, and the importance of connection and support systems.
This conversation brings together perspectives on how men can better navigate mental wellbeing, build resilience, and strengthen meaningful connections in their lives.
The panel highlights the role of community, openness, and support systems in creating healthier outcomes for men and the families around them.
Speakers include:
- Dr Ian Zajac: Breakthrough Mental Health Research Foundation Fellow in Suicide Prevention at Flinders University
- Shaun Chandran: Australian Community Father of the Year 2024
- Ben Alexander: Former Wallabies Player and Co-Founder Running for Resilience
Disadvantage & Social Inequity: Breaking down barriers to engaged fatherhood
This panel explores how deep and persistent disadvantage affects father engagement, child outcomes, and broader community wellbeing.
It positions father-inclusive approaches as a powerful but often underutilised lever for reducing inequality and strengthening family systems.
Panelists examine the barriers that limit engaged fatherhood in disadvantaged contexts, and the opportunities for more inclusive, accessible, and supportive approaches that help fathers show up more fully in their children’s lives.
Speakers include:
- Prof. Francis Mitrou: Senior Principle Research Fellow and Head of the Human Development and Community Wellbeing Team.
- Dr. Elisabeth Duursma, Western Sydney University: Research Theme Fellow
- Tim Wemyss, The Fathering Project, National Community Services Manager
Family Safety
This panel on Family Safety explores father engagement as a proactive, preventative approach to reducing domestic and family violence.
Drawing on evidence, practice experience, and community-led solutions, the discussion examines how father-inclusive approaches can strengthen families and reduce risk factors before they escalate.
Speakers include:
- Prof. Michael Flood, QUT, Researcher on men, masculinities, and violence prevention
- Karen Bevan, CEO, Full Stop Australia
- Dr Hannah Tonkin, NSW Women’s Safety Commissioner
State of the World's Fathers: Australia 2026
Fathers want to be present – and many already are – but existing systems still shape and limit what equal caregiving looks like in practice.
In this panel from the Australian findings of State of the World’s Fathers, held at the Fathering Summit 2026, speakers explore the practical levers that can close the gap: early years support, parental leave and workplace flexibility, access to care, and the everyday tools that make co-parenting more workable.
A grounded discussion on what needs to change to better support fathers, families, and shared caregiving in real life.
Speakers:
- Gary Barker, CEO, Equimundo
- Dr Alina Ewald, Researcher, Western Sydney University
Want to stay connected?
Sign up to receive future updates from The Fathering Project, including fathering resources, research insights, event invitations and practical tools to support fathers and families here.