By Ewen McRae
Dads playgroups are gaining popularity across Melton with several new groups starting up this year.
Melton council helped establish Fathers of Arnolds Creek and Fathers of Hillside with state government funding designed to promote gender equality.
The main goal of the groups is to encourage fathers and male carers to take a more active role in caring responsibilities and to strengthen relationships with their children.
Melton mayor Bob Turner said the groups had been a huge success, and an important addition to their community.
“We know mums and female carers attend playgroups in much greater numbers than dads and male carers,” Cr Turner said
“We also know that a dad’s role in the healthy development of their child is very important.
“By providing a playgroup for dads and male carers, we are recognising the important role men play as carers and creating a safe space for men to talk about parenting.
“The feedback from local fathers has been really positive.”
After two successful terms, the Arnolds Creek playgroup is now community led, after previously being facilitated by a Salvation Army worker and council staff.
Two dads share the responsibility of setting up and organising the sessions for a core group of 10 fathers who regularly attend.
“We are pleased to see the dads have felt connected enough to make the program their own,” Cr Turner said.
Both playgroups run on a Saturday between 10am and noon. New members are always welcome.
Details: melton.vic.gov.au/communityplaygroups
