Dadfit program

North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network (NWMPHN) commissions life-coaching charity Dadfit Community Ltd to deliver a culturally inclusive health promotion program that supports fathers to be healthy, safe and nurturing caregivers.

The Dadfit program supports fathers of children aged up to 12 in culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) and socioeconomically disadvantaged communities across the Wyndham, Hume and Brimbank local government areas. This includes fathers who are socially isolated or newly arrived in Australia, and thus less likely to engage with traditional support services.

These cohorts identified in NWMPHN health needs assessments as experiencing higher levels of disadvantage and family violence risk in the region. Delivery sites are chosen in partnership with local councils, schools and community organisations.

The program aims to improve fathers’ physical and mental wellbeing, parenting and relationship skills, and to reduce stigma and barriers to help-seeking in CALD communities. It does this through:

• a five-week group program of weekly two-hour sessions, combining team-based physical activity, facilitated discussion on parenting, relationships and mental health, and a practical challenge to try at home
• Dads and Kids SportsFest afternoons that strengthen father-child connection through active play
• ongoing volunteer-led Dad Teams that keep fathers connected after the program ends.

Dadfit is grounded in evidence that programs combining physical activity, social connection and parenting support create lasting benefits for fathers, including reduced symptoms of depression, stress and anxiety, and greater confidence as a parent.

The Dadfit program is designed to:

• improve fathers’ physical health, mental health, and parenting and relationship skills
• reduce stigma and barriers to help-seeking in culturally and linguistically diverse communities through father-inclusive early mental health support
• strengthen fathers’ social connection and reduce isolation by building trusted local peer networks that continue beyond the program
• increase fathers’ awareness and use of positive parenting strategies and confidence to seek support when needed
• strengthen father-child connection through shared, active play.

Page updated: 29 September 2026