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 a positive and profound contribution to their community.
The award is about everyday people who make a difference.
Originally founded by the former Victorian Father’s Day Council and it was managed by this dedicated committee for over 60 years.
In 2006, Y Victoria began supporting the award’s administration and promoting the award through numerous community services.
Today, members of the former Victorian Father’s Day Council have joined YMCA representatives to form the volunteer Parent Day Committee. This committee supports the governance of both the Victorian Father of the Year award and the new Victorian Mother of the Year award.
About the Y
YMCA Victoria (the Y) is a community not-for-profit organisation that delivers programs and services across Victoria.
Our purpose is inspiring and empowering young people and communities to thrive.
We're purpose led. All our actions drive us towards our vision for a better tomorrow where all people can belong.
Through the Victorian Father of the Year award we are able to recognise and thank the father figures who share our belief.
The award is administered by The Y Victoria and supported by other YMCA associations based in Victoria. These include
Partnership with City of Melbourne
The City of Melbourne has supported the Victorian Father of the Year award since it's earliest days in the 1950's.
Our annual award ceremony is traditionally hosted by the council at Melbourne Town Hall.
The sitting Lord Mayor or their deputy present the award to the winner and councillors are invited to attend.
“Each year when we celebrate this award, we’re reminded of the valuable role that parents and guardians play in helping shape the lives of young people everywhere. This is particularly important during these uncertain times.” – Lord Mayor Sally Capp.
YMCA is grateful for the councils ongoing support of the award.
Impact of the award
We caught up with our recent winners and their families, to discuss their experiences with the award and what it symbolises.
Gabriel Carazo | 2023 Winner
In the past 12 months since being named YMCA Victorian Father of the Year, Gabriel Carazo has continued to inspire dads and families in his community. Founder of R.A.D Dads a group for new dads that encourages and promotes nature-based active play – the group has grown to focus on education and structured activities.
Sam Chew | 2021 Winner
Malaysian-Australian father Sam Chew received the award for showing unwavering dedication to his three young children through grief and the hardships of COVID-19.
Sam was nominated by his close friend Kashmira Bhathena.
Stephen Curran | 2020 Winner
Sunshine father Stephen Curran received the award for being an inspiring role model and provider for his three children.
Stephen was nominated by his daughter Sarah.
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