Search begins for Father of the Year

The search has begun for Victoria's 2019 Father of the Year.

Do you know a father who is an extraordinary role model and deserves to be recognised?

The Father’s Day Council and YMCA Victoria are on the hunt for the 63rd Victorian Father of the Year.

The honorary award celebrates the important role dads and father figures have in their community and the young people in their lives.

In recent years, the focus has been on ordinary dads with extraordinary stories.

The winner will join a long list of past top dads including Bob Hawke, Andrew Faze and Bert Newton.

Father’s Day Council President Barry Novy says the award exemplifies fatherhood and is based on values rather than education, privilege or status.

Melbourne dad Sandeep ‘Sunny’ Jadhev was awarded the Victorian Father of the Year in 2018.

His daughter had shared how proud she was of her dad’s volunteer and mentoring commitments to young people in STEM subjects.

Sunny encourages other young people to nominate a dad or father figure, such as a mentor or teacher.

“It was a huge privilege and honour to be recognised,” he said.

To nominate an extraordinary dad, visit fathersdaycouncil.org.au

Nominations close Sunday 11 August.

The winner of 2019’s Victorian Father of the Year will receive their award at a special event and morning tea on Friday 23 August at Melbourne Town Hall.