FOR DADS, BY DADS.
For our program's to work well, we must have your trust. The first step to establishing that trust is for you to connect to who we are and why we exist. We are not just another Government funded program that exist's without true meaning. We are here to create genuine change and to help more Dad's Thrive!
HI, I'M WILL.
And this is my family. I am the Founder & CEO at The Modern Dad. More importantly, I am a proud, hands-on & everyday Australian Dad. The trajectory of my life changed when entering Fatherhood. It is an on-going journey full of ups, downs, breaking cycles, defining moments, pride and a joy like no other. The Modern Dad is inspired by my lived experience of being fathered, then becoming a father. Combined with my professional experience in the fields of Mental Health, Suicide Prevention, Facilitation, Community Building and Mens Well-Being.
ABOUT ME
Since the age of 16 I have had a burning desire to make the world a better place. I was a shy teenager, but the first public speech I ever did was in front of my whole school on the topic of Suicide Prevention.
For 12 years I have worked across the non-for-profit, government, community and consultancy sectors. All of which have had a focus on challenging and addressing complex social issues that are known to lead to poor Mental Health outcomes for Australian People.
My experience extends into the development and facilitation of workshops and programs in diverse settings such as prisons, youth detention centres, corporates, schools, community environments and in more recent times online.
In addition to The Modern Dad, I am the founder of Turn to Me, an Australian Mental Health Promotion and Suicide Prevention Charity.
WHY THE MODERN DAD?
Becoming a Dad at the young age of 19 gave me renewed perspectives on the unique intersection that exists between Mental Health / Well-being and Fatherhood. An area of focus that I don't believe is valued or spoken about enough.
Apart from a few dormant, dust collecting and clinical resources you may dig up on the internet or at your local health clinic, I don't believe there is enough programs or support out there for Dad's in Australia that are genuinely relatable or impactful.
Let’s get one thing clear. The intention of The Modern Dad is not to preach that I am the perfect father. This simply does not exist. The Modern Dad was created as I realised there was an opportunity to combine my professional expertise, passion for Mental Health and love for being a father into something that could truly impact the lives of Dad's across the country.
I've experienced what it feels like to "fail" as a father. I have experienced isolation and loneliness. I wasn't privileged to a perfect father son relationship throughout my childhood. However, I have created a life where I feel as if I am thriving in my own unique way. I am proud to be a grounded, present, connected, loving and nurturing everyday Dad.
We are here to support Dad's to do the inner personal development, well-being and healing work required to thrive in their own unique way!
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