Father's Day was well recognised across the shire, with events and celebrations scheduled in the build-up to the first Sunday in September.
Families turned out in force for the Man With A Pram event at Mansfield Botanic Park on the Saturday, celebrating Father’s Day weekend and the important role dads play in our community.
More than 70 dads, mums and children came together to enjoy the sunshine and make meaningful connections.
The event featured breakfast burgers and coffee from local favourite The Horseless Cart, face painting by Chele and a variety of children’s activities, making a fun time for all ages.
Man With A Pram is a growing national and global movement by the Dads Group organisation aimed at bringing fathers and families together to raise awareness of men’s mental health and promote stronger local communities through relaxed and inclusive events.
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Mayor Cr Stevie Rabie said the event was important for building connections.
“New dads can often feel lost and isolated as they start their journey as a parent," the mayor said.
"Events like Man With A Pram are a great way to bring dads together and show that they’re not alone.
"We want to help every dad in Mansfield to stay connected and to know that support is available."
Council partnered with Mansfield’s local Dads Group — Dads of Mansfield — to deliver the Father's Day event, with support from the Victorian Department of Health Dads Group Grant.
At Mansfield Primary School, Brekkie Club on 4 September enjoyed a strong turn-out of dads with the added incentive of a hot breakfast, seemingly the order of day for all Father's Day celebrations.
The school extended a big thank you to the IGA who donated 100 sausages towards the event, alongside the usual fare of cereal, toast and fruit.
"It was great to see so many fathers and special friends attend the morning," principal Nicole Comerford said.
"We are very lucky to have such an amazing and supportive school community."
At The Farmhouse, the kinder kids had a Father’s Day Challenge inviting their fathers, grandfathers and father figures, treating them with home biscuits and spinach rolls made from produce in facility's garden.
"Children and fathers then completed their challenge of drawing each other, building volcanoes in the sandpit and counting how many four legged animals we had," said founder Kim Stoney.
"The children then shared their favourite stories about their fathers."
