Families gathered in Clyde North on Father’s Day to take part in Man with a Pram on Sunday 7 September.
The event, held at Banjo Park, drew around 250 attendees, an increase from last year’s turnout of just 30.
With more than 400 families registering, Maya Pinn, organiser of the SWAN Cobbers program and the event, was thrilled with the response.
“It was a very multicultural event, which was brilliant, especially just being in that area,” she said.
“I think it was really nice to have lots of different cultures and religions, and backgrounds together.
“There were a lot of dads and grandfathers, which is awesome. And the kids ranged in age from tiny little babies to teenagers.”
Highlights of the day included a community walk, children flocking to the Liberty Swing designed for kids with and without disabilities, and a free sausage sizzle with both sausages and veggie burgers.
Man with a Pram was made possible through collaboration between four local dads’ groups, including the Cranbourne Dads’ Group, the SWAN Cobbers father figures’ group, the Clyde North Dad Squad and the Coastal Villages Dads’ Group, as well as support from the City of Casey and Mirvac.
“We’ve made a bigger collaboration to have a group of leaders,” Ms Pinn said.
“I think that really helped.”
While the activities kept families entertained, Maya said the aim was to create a space where fathers feel supported and empowered in their role.
“It’s about promoting positive connections amongst dads and giving new dads support,” she said.
“Giving dads of children with disability support as well and really inviting the dads to build their capacity for their family, being able to do things for their kids by themselves and really empowering dads.”
