Nominations for the 2025 Victorian Father of the Year award are now open!
Do you know a father or father figure making a positive impact on young people and their community? Nominate them now for the Y Victoria Father of the Year Award!
To nominate an extraordinary father figure in your life, you must complete our dedicated nomination form.
Nominations close at midday on Monday 18 August.
Father figures play an important role in empowering the young people in our community.
Since 1956, this award has recognised inspiring father figures who have made a profound and positive impact in the 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 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 communites in need.
Ben Smith is the 2024 Victorian Father of the Year
Devoted Dad and CEO of the Mornington Community Support Centre Ben Smith was awarded the 2024 Victorian Father of the Year honour at a special ceremony at Melbourne Town Hall today.
Mornington local Ben Smith was honoured for his community advocacy and deep love for his family. He shared his motto: “We’re not built to live alone.”
Every day Ben's team hosts meals and support for those in need. The team strives to understand each person’s challenges and support them towards finding stability and long-term solutions.
About the Victorian Father of the Year award
Since 1956, the Victorian Father of the Year award has recognised Victorian dads and father figures who make positive contributions to their communities.
The award is about recognising the everyday father figures who have a profound and positive effect on young people.
Victorian Mother of the Year
The Y also celebrates the Victorian Mother of the Year award. The award highlights the importance of role-models who inspire and empower those around them. Mums and mother figures are all around us, not only in our families but in our local community groups, schools and workplaces.
Check out the highlights from the 2025 Victorian Mother of the Year award.