Dad award finalist just doing his best

BALLARAT man Will Austin is in the running to be named as one of the nation’s noteworthy dads.

Austin is a finalist in the 2026 Australian Fathering Awards in the Community Father of the Year category.

The Gunditjmara man and dad of three has built his life around his family and has founded organisations exploring key community issues.

One of those is The Modern Dad, which offers programs to help fathers be more present and intentional.

The 30-year-old also started Yarn Bark, which supports Indigenous people to heal from intergenerational trauma and strengthen cultural connection, and Turn To Me, a mental health promotion and suicide prevention charity.

However, Austin places importance on family, prioritising family drop-offs and co-coaching his son’s under-10 football team.

“I just consider myself really an everyday dad, you know, like many other dads out there, just doing their best,” he said.

He said he has made choices about what life he wanted to create for his children.

“That comes back to being present and being connected and being there for the small, everyday moments,” he said.

“And so I’ve tried to kind of build my life and my work around that.”

He said time was a constant battle.

“My days are full,” he said. “But I think being the best dad I can be always takes priority and I like to bring the kids along the journey with me.”

Winners of the awards will be announced Friday 4 September.

Paul Hetherington, The Fathering Project’s Acting CEO, said the awards celebrated fathers, father figures, workplaces and positive male role models.

“Each of this year’s finalists represents the diverse ways fathers make a unique contribution to society,” he said.

If you or someone you know needs mental health support, visit beyondblue.org.au or call their 24/7 hotline on 1300 22 4636. You can also visit lifeline.org.au or call them on 13 11 14 and help for young people is available at kidshelpline.com.au or by calling them on 1800 55 1800.