Nominate

    Nominations are now open for the 2022 award!

    YMCA Victoria (the Y) is on the hunt for the 66th annual Victorian Father of the Year.

    We're looking for an inspiring father figure whose made a profound and positive impact on the lives of young people.

    A father figure can be a:

    • Relative (father, uncle, brother),
    • Role model (coach, mentor, teacher) or
    • Community leader (advocate, organiser).

    The award is open to father figures currently living in the state of Victoria (Australia) and is inclusive of all people who identify as male.

    Nominations for the 2022 award close at midnight on Sunday 21 August.

    Scroll down to learn more about the award, our past winners and the special ceremony held at Melbourne Town Hall.

    DNA alone doesn’t make a dad

    Father figures come in all shapes and sizes. We aim to recognise the amazing work that both traditional and non-traditional fathers do to support young people.
    Graphic image of a DNA helix with a dark red background.

    Impact of the award

    In July 2022, we caught up with our two most recent winners and their families, to discuss their experiences with the award and what it symbolises. 

    Watch Stephen and Sam's video interviews to learn about the awards impact.

    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.

    Sam Chew | 2021 Winner

    Malaysian-Australian 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.

    History of the award

    Since 1956, the Victorian Father of the Year award has recognised Victorian dads and father figures who make positive contributions to their communities.

    Originally founded by the Victorian Father’s Day Council, the award is now governed by it's long time supporter YMCA Victoria. 

    Historically, the award focused on recognising prominent public figures (like Andrew Gaze and Bert Newton) who could help promote the awards values.

    In it's current form, the Victorian Father of the Year award provides a platform for everyday father figures who share the Y's belief in empowering young people.

    Award ceremony

    The winner of the 2022 award will be presented by the Lord Mayor Sally Capp at a special ceremony held on Friday 2 September. The City of Melbourne has supported the award since it's founding in 1956. (Pictured: 2018 award ceremony honouring winner Sundeep Jadhav.)
    Sundeep Jadhav is awarded the 2018 Victorian Father of the Year award.

    Ready to submit a nomination?

    To nominate an extraordinary father figure in your life, you must complete our dedicated nomination form.

    The form asks you to provide contact information (for yourself and the nominee) and respond to four open questions related to the award criteria.

    Nominations close at midnight on Sunday 21 August.

    Contact us if you have any questions about the award before submitting your nomination.

    Learn more about the award