Dr. Billy Garvey is the winner of the 2025 Victorian Father of the Year award
Helping children and families make sense of the challenges of emotional and social development is what drives 2025 Victorian Father of the Year, Dr Billy Garvey. He offers practical advice parents and educators can use every day, turning complex science into simple steps that make a real difference.
Dr. Billy Garvey at the Pop Culture Parenting live event speaking to parents
Billy is a father of three and a developmental paediatrician at one of the world’s leading children’s hospitals. He is also a researcher, author and podcast host, sharing his expertise widely so families and teachers feel more confident supporting children’s wellbeing.
Dr. Billy Garvey at the Pop Culture Parenting live event
Through his social enterprise Guiding Growing Minds, Billy and his team give parents and professionals practical tools to better support children. He also co-hosts Pop Culture Parenting, Australia’s number one parenting podcast, which has grown into a trusted community where thousands of families share stories, learn together and feel less alone.
His talks, book and workshops all carry the same approach: making research and evidence accessible through conversation, storytelling and real-life examples.
With three young children, Yvie, Charlie and Heidi, his own experiences as a dad are what drive him to support others.
“I know it’s how I am with them, not how much I am with them,” Billy says. “I try to demonstrate unconditional love, especially when things are tough, not just when they’re doing what I want. That’s what protects their mental health and helps them learn how to manage emotions.”
Dr. Billy Garvey with his children
Billy’s passion comes from lived experience. Growing up in a household marked by instability and hardship, he saw firsthand how much difference the right support can make. He credits a handful of teachers who believed in him as changing the course of his life – from being expelled as a teenager to completing 14 years of university and a PhD in child development.
That understanding shapes his work today.
“I often say to parents, we teach our kids to ride a bike with patience, encouragement and joy, but when it comes to emotions we expect them to figure it out alone. We need to change that, because social and emotional development is the biggest predictor of lifelong outcomes, from relationships to health.” he says
Billy believes community has the answers. Whether it’s a coach, a teacher, or an adult who simply takes an interest in a young person, those relationships can be life-changing.
“I don’t think the answer is shorter waitlists to see someone like me. It’s about giving knowledge to the people kids already trust – parents, teachers, community leaders. That’s how you change lives.”
As Victorian Father of the Year, Billy hopes to use the platform to share that message more widely and shine a light on the work of other fathers and community leaders.
“If my profile can help elevate what other dads and communities are doing, then that’s what really excites me. Every child deserves the chance to reach their potential and live a rich, meaningful life. That’s what I want for my kids, and for all kids.”