Victorian Government puts forward more funding to support Dads groups

The Victorian Government has acknowledged the important and lifelong role that fathers play in the lives of children, delivering a $2 million election commitment to create more ‘dads groups’ across Victoria. 

Eligible organisations can apply for individual dads group grants of up to $100,000, with applications open from Monday, 4 September until Monday, 16 October. 

The funding will see grants awarded to create new dads groups, benefiting local council, community-led and after-hours groups who provide support services to dads in the crucial first months of their baby’s life, and is part of a broader $86 million package to support Victorian families outlined in this year’s Victorian Budget 2023/24. 

The grants are also open to existing dads groups with the initiative established following an increasing demand from new dads wanting support to be the best parent and partner they can be. 

“Having a baby completely changes your life and presents new challenges no one can prepare you for – that’s why we are backing Victorian dads by ensuring they can access the support they need in a nurturing environment.”

The groups will focus on creating nurturing environments where dads from all backgrounds can connect, share experiences, and receive valuable support from their peers. Ensuring the whole family is supported, the groups will also encourage a healthy family life, such as taking an active role in caregiving to help promote bonding and gender equality in parenting. 

They will also share evidence-based information with new dads about early childhood health and development, strategies for self-care and an increased awareness of their perinatal mental health. 

Mothers have not been forgotten, with funding allocated in the Victorian Budget 2023/24 to bolster free maternal and child health (MCH) services, giving MCH nurses more time to support new parents. 

Other critical investments supporting families with young children include $148 million to build or upgrade 10 early parenting centres to help with sleep and settling, child behaviour and health and wellbeing, as well as funding to continue the Victorian Baby Bundle program. 

Applications for grants can be made at health.vic.gov.au