This Father’s Day we’re celebrating dads who are making a difference. In the spotlight are four inspiring men leaving a legacy for their kids and the world.
Adam Goodes is dedicated to creating brighter futures for Indigenous youth. As co-founder of the Go Foundation, Adam works to create opportunities through education for First Nations students. “I know now it is more important than ever to make sure that they live in a safe, inclusive and fair community. I think we all have a role to play in creating that,” he shares. This year the friend of David Jones is looking forward to spending Father’s Day with his wife and daughter Adelaide – and hopefully a sleep-in until 7am.
Adam’s wish list
“If I get a card from Adelaide and a big cuddle I will be very happy.”
Adam Goodes
Breakfast in bed and a surf are what Sam Elsom is hoping for come Father’s Day. For the environmentalist, the need to protect our planet for the next generation, including his own children, meant the start of a new journey. In 2019, he founded Sea Forest, a startup dedicated to fighting the impacts of climate change by pioneering seaweed as a feed supplement for livestock (it reduces their methane emissions by 98 per cent). “It’s why Sea Forest exists,” he says, “to drive and scale the solutions needed to help protect the way of life for my children and their children”. The best part about being a dad? “Watching the absolute miracle of life we create, as our children grow and develop personalities”.
Nathan Johnson is an artist, founder of Blacklist Studio, and father to three: Willow, Dare, who has Down syndrome, and Rocko. “With Dare, our whole world has been flipped in the best possible way. I’ve realised that we are actually all more alike than we are different,” he says. What’s on his Father’s Day wish list? A surf, a long lunch in the backyard and a handmade card from the kids. He’s passionate about raising awareness for people living with disabilities and hopes for a more inclusive future. “We’re here to help Dare be the best he can in a world that is still learning about accepting people for who they are.”
Through work as a comedian, writer and radio presenter, Matt Okine is exploring his Ghanaian heritage. On sharing this cultural background with his daughter, he says, “I’ve realised how important it is to show Sofia as many examples as I can that there is no normal. Everyone is unique. We listen to music, read books and play with dolls that are all different.” His latest project, Diver City, sees him form a children’s music duo and celebrate diversity through lively and engaging lyrics. So what’s his idea of the perfect Father’s Day? “Going to the beach, having a long lunch with my partner during Sofia’s naptime, and a trip to the playground.”
And the ultimate gift? “No meltdowns. A tantrum-free day would be the best present she could give me.”
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