Australian Fatherhood Research Consortium
@ausfatherhood.bsky.social
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The AFRC is a collaboration of researchers, practitioners and policy makers. We exist to advance the science of fatherhood, inform practice and policy that supports men and their families, and promote healthy inclusion of fathers in family life.
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ausfatherhood.bsky.social
In Victoria, 1 in 4 men who die by suicide are fathers of children under 18. That’s more than 120 dads every year. A new study highlights the urgent need for mental health support in early fatherhood.

journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10....
ausfatherhood.bsky.social
#Fatherhood researchers, services and practitioners, SUBMIT YOUR ABSTRACT to present at the Australian Fatherhood Research Symposium 2026!
www.ausfatherhoodresearch.org/afrs-2026

Join us in Melbourne or online for an amazing symposium on 7 & 8 May 2026 #AFRS2026
ausfatherhood.bsky.social
SAVE THE DATE 
Australian Fatherhood Research Symposium
Thursday 7 & Friday 8 May, 2026
Melbourne & online

An inclusive multi-disciplinary event open to all researchers, practitioners, organisations and policy makers with an interest in advancing the science of fatherhood.
ausfatherhood.bsky.social
Research shows that 1 in 5 Australian men don't spend any time with their friends & are at risk of depression symptoms. Dads Group's annual Man With A Pram event is a great opportunity to get dads connected.

Is your area hosting a Man With A Pram walk?

manwithapram.com
Man With A Pram 2025
Man With A Pram 2024 : Make a donation today to support Man With A Pram 2024
manwithapram.com
ausfatherhood.bsky.social
It's Birth Trauma Awareness Week.
Share this special issue of the Fatherhood Bulletin with fathers that you know, to help them understand that birth can cause trauma for them too. And that there are supports that can help them and their family.
#BTAW2025
mappresearch.org/fatherhood-c...
ausfatherhood.bsky.social
Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander fathers are often absent in evaluations of parenting programs. It is important that their role in supporting their children's physical and mental health is recognised and consultation with community fathers prioritised.

onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10....
ausfatherhood.bsky.social
1 in 10 dads experience mental distress symptoms, but does this impact their children? SEED Lifespan reviewed over 80 international studies to discover that we need to support fathers' mental health if we want children to grow to their best potential.

theconversation.com/when-new-dad...
ausfatherhood.bsky.social
Today is International Fathers' Mental Health Day #IFMHD. The AFRC is delighted to partner with Mark Williams BCAh FRSA and Gidget Foundation Australia to promote awareness that fathers need support & access to healthcare, for the sake of their own mental health, as well as their families'.
ausfatherhood.bsky.social
The AFRC was honoured to have Professor Craig Garfield share his knowledge and insights with us during his visit to Australia as Deakin University's Thinker In Residence.

You can read about Craig's thoughts on his trip Down Under:

www.luriechildrens.org/en/family-ch...
ausfatherhood.bsky.social
There are some great dad podcasts out there and they can share helpful advice and tips on being a father. But if you have questions about your health, go and see a GP!

Need help finding one? Visit seeyourgp.org.au
@healthymale.bsky.social #seeyourgp #menshealthweek #mhw25
ausfatherhood.bsky.social
Dads need to spend time with their mates and chat about being a father. But if you have health questions, talk with your GP.

Need help finding one? Visit seeyourgp.org.au @healthymale.bsky.social
#seeyourgp #menshealthweek #mhw25
ausfatherhood.bsky.social
Men’s Health Week has officially started!
It's great for dads to get advice about parenting from their family. But, when it comes to questions about your health, your GP’s got you.
Need help finding one? Visit seeyourgp.org.au
@HealthyMale #seeyourgp #menshealthweek #mhw25
ausfatherhood.bsky.social
...aaand thats a wrap! thankyou for everyone who attended and shared their amazing research on fatherhood throughout the symposium 😀👏 @minderoo.bsky.social
ausfatherhood.bsky.social
Closing the final day, Matt Roberts presents a beautiful poem capturing the plight of the lonely and isolated father, followed by a fascinating roundtable discussion encapsulating topics and projects shown during the symposium. @minderoo.bsky.social
ausfatherhood.bsky.social
Before lunch, Jack Brett presents on the importance of self-compassion in building healthy parent-child relationships, while Michael Wilson conveys the importance of identifying risk factors linked to suicide for fathers following a relationship breakdown. @minderoo.bsky.social
ausfatherhood.bsky.social
Kicking off day two of the AFRS, Invited Speaker Richard Fletcher, Associate Professor at the University of Newcastle, NSW, gives a thought provoking speech on changes in Fatherhood research in the last decade. @minderoo.bsky.social
ausfatherhood.bsky.social
Our final speaker of Day 1, the inspirational Mark Williams speaks on the importance of recognising symptoms of birth related trauma for fathers and it's association with increased risks of PTSD and suicide in men in the postnatal period. @minderoo.bsky.social
ausfatherhood.bsky.social
Closing a fascinating and insightful first day of the AFRS, Anna Tarrant, Professor of Sociology from University of Lincoln, UK, presents over zoom the importance of advocating and campaigning to enhance policies and create inclusive parenting pathways for fathers. @minderoo.bsky.social
ausfatherhood.bsky.social
Following lunch, we heard from a range of presenters on how to best engage fathers and encourage their participation in paternal parenting programs, such as Wayne Bruce from the Tresillian's Circle of Security and Matthew Aquilina from Parenting in Partnership. @minderoo.bsky.social
ausfatherhood.bsky.social
An amazing presentation on the history of fatherhood research by Professor Brenda Volling from the university of Michigan, followed by valuable insights into the predictors of paternal mental health by Associate Professor Jacqui Macdonald from Deakin University. @minderoo.bsky.social
ausfatherhood.bsky.social
Have you registered for the 2025 Australian Fatherhood Research Symposium?
Better hurry, there are only 2 days left until registrations close. Visit mappresearch.org/australian-f... to book your post.
ausfatherhood.bsky.social
Only 9 days until the 2025 Australian Fatherhood Research Symposium!
View the program to see the fantastic lineup of speakers, presentations and discussions: mappresearch.org/australian-f...
Registrations close on Friday (25 April).
ausfatherhood.bsky.social
The Australian Fatherhood Research Symposium is proudly sponsored by our Silver Sponsor Tresillian.
Visit the Tresillian website to see how they support families: tresillian.org.au

Make sure to register to attend the symposium: mappresearch.org/australian-f...