Dads Group is about changing the culture of fatherhood for the better.
What we do
Dads Groups.
Dads. Their kids. Coffee. And maybe a playground. A simple formula that provides new fathers with the connection and support they desperately need.
Dads at Work.
Dads that do better at work, do better at home and so we’ve developed tools, resources and programs that help organisations support their employees through the transition to parenthood. More about Dads at Work.
Community Events.
We run events that brings new fathers and families together create stronger local communities. More about Community Events.
Research & Partnerships
We've partnered with some of the best organisations in Australia to develop father-friendly initiatives and training materials — that actually work. More about our Research.
“Supporting new dads also supports their families and ultimately contributes to healthy child development and addressing broader social issues such as isolation.”
Dr. Ben Lane, University Sunshine Coast / Read Full Research Report
Our Impact
Dads Group is shifting outcomes for new families across Australia. By promoting positive parenting for men we give new Dads the support and connection they need. Our early intervention approach provides new Fathers with positive social relationships, and easier pathways to health services if they need them.
Decreasing risk factors associated with mental illness and suicide
Contributing to better child development
Increasing family wellbeing
Read more about the impact of Dads Group in this research report by University of Sunshine Coast.
“Before joining Dads group I felt a lot more isolated in my role at home and had no one to talk to about the ever changing environment and journey ahead.”
New Dad / 2018
Our Story
I hadn’t planned on becoming a dad when I became one. I was thrown into parenthood years before I thought I would be one…
The story of Dads Group, told by our original new Dads, Tom Docking.
My wife Kate and I were only recently married and working on Hayman Island Resort — a few weeks into a 2 year around the world adventure when she fell pregnant.
My first reaction was pretend excitement because my wife was standing there in front of me telling me that we were going to have a baby. And I said ‘this is the best thing in the world - I’m so excited!” And then she went back to work and I just dropped off the face of the earth.
I went into shock.
I literally didn’t speak for a couple of weeks. I wasn’t sure what was going on. I just wasn’t really ready for it I guess. All our plans went out the window. I have never had such a big shock. My whole identity changed in a few moments. I thought who am I going to be now?
It was 2014, and I started searching for support for new dads. I was again shocked as there really wasn’t anything available. I thought how can there be all this support geared for new mums but nothing at all for new dads? Surely there is something?
In Australia we are privileged to have a huge amount of support for mothers through Antenatal classes, Maternal Child Health, Mothers groups, Professional support services for mothers and playgroups. These institutions in many ways have been the backbone of new community growth and had a huge impact on our culture. But one thing I experienced when exploring these support services for new families was a lack of understanding of exactly where a new father fits into the framework. Like most new fathers I was excited, scared, confused and bewildered all at the same time.
There was one thing that I do remember was a ‘game changer’ for me and that was the day I spent some time with a couple of other new fathers with their babies.
There was one thing that I do remember was a ‘game changer’ for me and that was the day I spent some time with a couple of other new fathers with their babies. It was only an hour or so but in that short time I learned more from my peers than any book or video had taught me and it struck me that this is exactly what is missing from the modern new family support framework… a place for fathers to feel connected into the parenthood in a way that wasn’t so… clinical, programmed and sterile.
So Kate and I sent up Dads Group. It started as an idea, and then a project that we trialled and tested and sought feedback and expert advice on, and now many years later we are a national program, with a dedicated team ready to help new fathers and families navigate the unknowns of parenthood.
The rest, as they say, is history!