Backing Gawler Dads, Strengthening Local Families
‘Dads of Gawler’ were formally presented with much needed funding from the South Australian Government on 10 September 2026.
The $5,000 investment will ensure new and expectant fathers in Gawler can continue to help local men become confident dads and combat social isolation.
Who are the Dads of Gawler
The ‘Dads of Gawler’ group meets fortnightly to support fathers and their families through the challenges of parenting in the infant and early childhood years.
Since its beginning in 2024, the group has seen over 130 fathers connect with other men as they begin their fatherhood journey. The group meets at the Gawler and District College B–12 Children's Centre, which provides a safe space for the dads to connect with other dads and share their experiences.
Supporting dads benefits the whole family
The benefits to dads in the early stages of fatherhood are critical to the health and wellbeing for the whole family:
- Strengthening family relationships and supporting positive parenting practices
- Supporting early childhood development through father engagement
- Providing early support to improve the father's mental health and reduced family stress.
The Group is supported by Kim Wright, a Community Development Coordinator for the Department of Human Services, and she's also the Gawler's 2026 Australia Day Ambassador and an inaugural winner of the Philippa Dean Award.
She has helped to facilitate regular meetups, community events, and informal support opportunities that reduce social isolation, strengthen parenting confidence, and improve family wellbeing.
The funding will also the ensure the dads can continue their outreach work to drive participation at annual events ‘Man with a Pram’, Father's Day barbecue, AFL Man and Child Grand Final Breakfast, Rotary Village Fair, and ‘Men Leading Change’ which deliver real benefits to children, parents, and families in the Gawler community.