Another successful year of the Cardinia Dads support group has come to an end.
The Cardinia Dads program, run by Cardinia Shire Council in partnership with Anglicare Victoria, is a vital resource for fathers, helping to foster connections and empowering them on their parenting journey.
Cardinia Dads is a free, six-week support group designed for dads with children from birth to school age. The program provides a supportive environment where fathers can share their experiences and challenges while learning about early childhood development.
Cardinia Dads began in May 2024 as a way to create a safe space for fathers to engage with their children and one another. The sessions, funded by the Victorian Department of Health, and held at Anglicare Victoria's Parentzone on Army Road in Pakenham, encourage meaningful connections between fathers and their children and build social connections with other dads.
Cardinia Shire Mayor Councillor Brett Owen encourages all dads in the shire to participate in the Cardinia Dads program. "Becoming a father is a wonderful journey filled with both joys and challenges," said Mayor Owen.
"The Cardinia Dads groups provide essential resources and information to help dads thrive throughout their parenting journey. By helping dads build friendships and share their experiences with one another, we can strengthen connections and build a strong sense of community."
The Cardinia Dads sessions have captivated local dads, with over 40 participants joining the sessions throughout the year. The final group for the year ran from 22 October to 26 November and was filled with doting dads eager to strengthen their connections with their children.
Feedback from a recent participant in the Cardinia Dads program emphasised the importance of the connections fostered by the group. One dad shared, "Getting to hear the other dads share about their kids and struggles and joys was really insightful and encouraging. It was so nice to have a safe space to be able to share what we're going through and know that other dads are experiencing similar things."
Cardinia Shire Council is committed to supporting parents and families and offers a range of additional Maternal and Child Health services, including health and development checks, sleep settling programs, Smalltalk supported playgroups, and first-time parent groups.
