Even Australia’s Father of the Year gets it wrong – “frequently”.
But Hamish Blake said it was “healthy to be honest about how much we’re still learning, whilst also knowing how important it is to try just as hard tomorrow”.
“I’m excited to continue growing and learning as a dad, and I hope to inspire others to embrace the wonderful adventure that fatherhood brings,” he said.
The father of two, entertainer, and host of podcast How Other Dads Dad, received the 2023 Australian Father of the Year title in August from The Fathering Project and The Australian Father’s Day Council.
Hamish said the award was a chance to highlight the amazing opportunity dads, mentors, or father figures had to shape the future for their kids.
“I am always the most inspired by the dads doing the little things, rather than big sweeping gestures,” he said.
“‘Fathering’ is a constant, daily practice, and one we’re lucky to get to do for the rest of our life.
“Nothing is more important.
“Being present, creating a space for fun and adventure, and being totally accepting of who my kids are as people is what I strive to do, and how I hope they feel safe and loved.”
Hamish shares son, Sonny, and daughter, Rudy with his wife, Zoe Foster Blake.
“Becoming a dad for me, for the first time, I suppose it’s the point where something turns from theory into practice,” he told The Fathering Project.
“There’s only so much you can think about and hypothesis.
“You only learn by doing.
“The love side of things is overwhelming – that completely floors you.
“You look at parents that have come before you and they seem to know what they’re doing, and then you know deep down that you have no idea what you’re doing
“I think the thing that gets you through that storm is the love.
“I love this thing so much, I will find a way, I will try and find a way to get through.”
On his Instagram, Hamish shared that being a dad itself was the actual prize.
“But I’ll graciously accept the plaque so I can spend the next year using it to get out of trouble for things like water fights in the house and poorly thought-through school lunch preparation,” he wrote.
“In all seriousness, doing a podcast about dads I am fortunate to talk deeply to a bunch of them, and I am constantly inspired by the fact that there is a huge (and growing) amount of blokes who are passionate about showing up each day to be fully invested dads so our kids can have the best shot in life.
“Of course, we’re all constantly messing up, but my heart is warmed by the love and commitment of the dads I have on the show and those who listen to it.”
The Fathering Project CEO Káti Gapaillard said Hamish delivered a powerful fatherhood message by sharing his personal journey.
“He encourages dads to connect authentically, acknowledging that perfection isn’t the goal,” she said.
“Spending quality time each day with your child is what really matters.
“Hamish definitely shows us the joys of fathering and the many long-lasting benefits dads can bring to their children.”
The Fathering Project is a not-for-profit focused on giving children the best life possible through engaged and effective fathers, and runs programs in schools and workplaces.
Research shows children with an engaged father or father figure have significantly better social, mental, physical, and academic outcomes.
