Nominations are now open for the YMCA Community Father of the Year Award for 2009. This important, annual event celebrates the significant role fathers and male role models play in our community and acknowledges that ordinary people can have an extraordinary impact on children's lives.

There will be a Local YMCA Community Father of the Year awarded in every region where there is a YMCA.

What's more, in a new development, the ather's Day Council of Victoria will this year consider all Local Community Father of the Year recipients when selecting the Victorian Father of the Year Award.

YMCA Victoria Chief Executive said that in the past the Victorian Father's Day Council had recognised two recipients, one a high profile celebrity and a community recipient. "This year marks a milestone in the event's history, with just one award being made, recognising that a father's role in a child's life is enormous no matter who you are."

Primary-school and pre-school aged children are invited to nominate their dad - or someone who is like their dad - by writing or drawing about why their father or father figure (it could be a brother, uncle, grandfather or friend) is special to them. Nomination forms are available at local YMCA or by downloading the form below. Each nominee will receive a YMCA Family Swim Pass.

Nominations close 17 August 2009.

The Victorian Father of the Year will be announced at a ceremony at the Melbourne Town Hall on Thursday 27August.

Download a nomination form.


Since 1956, the Father’s Day Council of Victoria has named a Victorian Father of the Year, to celebrate and recognise the important role of fathers in family life.

The Victorian Father of the Year Award recognises exemplary fathers of outstanding character and aims to raise the profile of fathers dedicated to their families and family life, and to recognise and advance the status of good fathering practices.