YMCA Victoria (the Y) is calling on Victorians to nominate a father figure who shows up for their community, as the Victorian Father of the Year award marks 70 years of recognising the state's most inspiring dads and mentors.
Nominations for the 2026 Victorian Father of the Year are now open at vicfather.ymca.org.au and will be open for three weeks. The winner will be announced by the Lord Mayor of Melbourne at a special ceremony on Friday 4 September, at Melbourne Town Hall.
Last year the award went to Dr Billy Garvey, the developmental paediatrician, author and host of the Pop Culture Parenting podcast, whose work has made him one of Australia's most recognised voices on parenting and children's mental health. He joins a list of winners stretching back to 1956 that includes Bob Hawke, Andrew Gaze and Steve Moneghetti, alongside grassroots leaders creating change in their own communities.
YMCA Victoria CEO Carolyn Morris said 70 years of the award tells a story about how fatherhood in Victoria has changed.
When this award began in 1956, the picture of a father was narrow. Seventy years on, we celebrate dads, coaches, carers, neighbours and mentors. The common thread has never changed. These are people who lead with care and lift up others.
The 2026 winner will receive a $10,000 grant to continue or expand their impact in the community.
The award is presented by the Y and supported by the City of Melbourne.