Father figures play an important role in empowering the young people in our community.
More than DNA: we celebrate everyday father figures who shape our communities.
A father figure can be a:
- Relative (father, uncle, brother),
- Role model (coach, mentor, teacher) or
- Community leader (advocate, organiser).
The Victorian Father of the Year award is about recognising the everyday father figures who have a profound and positive effect on young people and their community.
The winner will be honoured by the Lord Mayor of Melbourne at a special ceremony and receive $10,000 in funding from the Y's charitable fund to support initiatives that uplift young people and families in need.
Simon Burnett is the 2026 Victorian Father of the Year
Simon Burnett is a father, community leader and changemaker whose impact extends far beyond his own family.
As co-founder and board chair of Social Foundry in Kyneton, Simon has dedicated more than a decade to creating opportunities for young people facing barriers to employment, connection and belonging.
Through his vision, leadership and unwavering commitment to supporting others, he has helped transform countless lives while fostering a stronger, more inclusive community.
A devoted father of three, Simon embodies the values of kindness, purpose and service, making him a deserving recipient of the 2026 Victorian Father of the Year award.
What it means to be Victorian Father of the Year
Victorian Father of the Year winners Steve Moneghetti (2006) and Ben Smith (2024) discuss what it means to be a Victorian Father of the Year.
Nominations are now closed for Victorian Father of the Year 2026
The winners of this year’s award will be announced on Friday 4 September 2026, just in time for Father’s Day!
Victorian Mother of the Year
The Y also celebrates the Victorian Mother of the Year award.
The award highlights the importance of mothers and mother-figures who inspire and empower those around them.
Check out the highlights from the 2025 Victorian Mother of the Year award.