DadFit dads

Enabling healthy, safe, and gender equal families.

The role of dads has changed. How we support them hasn't kept up.

Becoming a dad is special, and it is often a very challenging life stage. 7 in 10 feel more stressed after becoming a dad, 1 in 2 say their health habits go downhill, and 1 in 4 new dads feel isolated.

The role of dads has changed: 87% of dads say they're more involved in caring for their children than their own father was.

Extensive research shows the benefits to families of healthy, nurturing dads, yet existing parent services fail to engage most dads.  When dads struggle and are unsupported, it places pressure on families, including unequal burden on mothers, relationship strain, and risks to children's health and safety.

Dadfit's aim is to scale up our preventative, evidence-based programs to support dads across Australia, enabling healthy, safe and gender equal families.

Dads talking together around a table at a Dadfit session

The difference a dad team makes

Dadfit has grown from a handful of dads in a park to a community across Melbourne and Geelong.

1,500+

dads supported across Melbourne and Geelong

82

free dad teams delivered

4.9

average rating from dads, out of 5

98%

would recommend Dadfit to a mate

Independent Evaluation by Drummond Street Services

Drummond Street found that Dadfit led to significant improvements in dads’ mental and physical health,
self-confidence as a parent, and community connection.

Download the report
98%

of dads report positive mental health effects

93%

feel more connected to dads in the local community

90%

report positive effects on the father-child relationship 

91%

say Dadfit has helped them to be a better partner
or co-parent

The partners who make Dadfit possible

Dadfit is free for every dad because of the organisations who back it. We work with partners across four areas, each helping us reach more dads and keep the quality high.

Philanthropic

Foundations and other donors who help us grow sustainably and reach dads in more communities. Dadfit is supported by organisations like the Ian Potter Foundation, the Snow Foundation and the Solomon Family Foundation.

Government

Local councils and health bodies who bring Dadfit to their area and connect us with local families. Dadfit is funded by North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network and local Councils across Melbourne.

Community

Services and organisations who deliver alongside us and refer the dads who’ll benefit most.

Corporate

Employers who run Dadfit for their teams and support the free community programs at the same time.

With thanks to every partner who helps keep Dadfit free.

The Ian Potter Foundation
Solomon Family Foundation
City of Melbourne
City of Darebin
Maribyrnong City Council
Heaps Normal
Drummond Street Services
Community Hubs Australia
Carlton Neighbourhood Learning Centre
Bega Group
Mallesons
Sydney Roosters
MinterEllison
Moose Toys
Australian Financial Security Authority
Norton Rose Fulbright
Symphony3
The Snow Foundation

Thinking about a partnership?

If you're a business, foundation or government partner considering something larger, we'd love to talk about what we could do together.

Start a conversation

What dads (and mums) say about Dadfit

Dadfit has been one of the best experiences of my life.

Chris

dad of two

DadFit dads at a workout

Hearing other dads are going through the same struggles, I feel less isolated.

Anton

dad of one

DadFit dads at a workout

He became more conscious, empathetic and responsive to the needs of our family.

Nikki

mum of two

DadFit dads at a workout

Dadfit was exactly what I needed. It was a turning point, not just for me, but for our whole family.

Simon

dad of two

I was amazed there were so many dads so close to me. The way we talk now, it feels like we've known each other for years.

Ajay

dad of two

Adding small steps each week to being a better dad.

Uddika

dad of one

"It's given me a new perspective on how to be a better dad for my kids."

James

Dad

James, a Dadfit dad from Middle Park
james-middle-park
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BtlgjupjwlA