Father's Day was invented by the YMCA in America in 1910 to recognise the significant role fathers and male role models play in our communities. Today, Victorian YMCA branches conduct an annual Local Community Father of the Year campaign.

Such initiatives demonstrate that ordinary people can have an extraordinary impact on their children's lives.

"We know that fathers and father-figures have an incredibly important role to play in their children's development, and this award is really aimed at raising awareness about the importance of fathering in our communities," said YMCA Chief Executive Peter Burns.

From 2009, the Victorian Father of the Year is chosen from one of the Local Community Father of the Year recipients.

Visit the YMCA Victoria website, at www.victoria.ymca.org.au for more information.