The Fathering Project is running Walk and Talk sessions. Photo: Supplied.
Illawarra dads are being invited to lace up their sneakers and start talking, with new Walk and Talk sessions launching in Shellharbour and Corrimal to help fathers connect, share experiences and strengthen their role at home.
The initiative, led by The Fathering Project, aims to reduce isolation and build more confident, supported dads – as the organisation believes when fathers thrive, families do too.
TFP CEO Kati Gapaillard said the initiative was designed to bring men together at a time when connection had never been more important.
“Active father engagement not only reduces feelings of isolation for dads, but directly benefits children’s social and emotional development – that’s why we’re investing in programs where Illawarra dads can connect, talk, and be supported,” Kati said.
The Fathering Hub at Port Kembla, which is the only permanent hub in NSW by the charity group, was established in 2022 to support fathers and father figures.
Kati said the Illawarra was chosen due to the hub’s ability to access many potentially at-risk families and fathers often in low socio-economic areas, though all fathers benefited from its programs.
“Our community-based programs meet fathers where they are, whether they’re in crisis, whether they’re rebuilding connections with their kids or seeking connections with other dads,” she said.
“The flow-on effect of that is better outcomes for their children, safer homes and stronger, more connected communities.
“When we support dads, we strengthen families as a whole.”
It is now expanding its services to include a range of social support, peer support and structured fathering group programs designed to enhance dads’ parenting skills, build their knowledge and improve engagement with their kids.
Among the initiatives are regular Walk and Talk sessions focused on actively engaging fathers in conversation, peer support and shared experiences aimed at promoting mental wellbeing and ensuring children thrive.
The regular Walk and Talk events will be held on the first and third Tuesday of the month in Shellharbour for fathers in southern Illawarra, and the second and fourth Tuesday of the month in Corrimal for northern Illawarra dads.
There will also be a monthly virtual dads group, and an eight-week skills development course for fathers looking for more hands-on parenting skills is currently in planning.
NSW Community Fathering manager Tim Wemyss said the role of fathers had changed significantly during the past generation.
“Many men today strongly identify with their role as a father, but don’t always feel confident they have the knowledge or skills to support that role,” Tim said.
“A lot of dads want to parent differently from how they were raised, but aren’t always sure what that looks like or where to turn for support.”
Tim said the expanded, dad-specific programs and services were designed to help fathers feel included, supported and confident in their parenting role by delivering evidence-based parenting information in a father-inclusive and male-friendly way.
“While many mums benefit from long-standing support networks, there has been a gap in similar spaces for fathers,” Tim said.
“These programs are about making sure dads feel supported, connected and equipped — which benefits fathers, children and families alike.”
The Fathering Hub is located at The Foundery, 132 Wentworth Street, Port Kembla. Visit the website to learn more about the walks in Shellharbour on the first and third Tuesday of the month, and Corrimal on the second and fourth Tuesday of the month.
