Building a village for dads too

By Sheree Hoddinett  When life threw Stephen Hirst one of its toughest chapters, he didn’t retreat—he built something powerful. Out of personal struggle came Dads Community, a North Brisbane-based support network giving men what they have been missing for too long: connection, purpose and a safe space to be real. 

While mums often have endless avenues of support—coffee catchups, mother’s groups, online forums—dads are usually left to tough it out in silence. Stephen wanted to see this dynamic shift.  

“It’s a space that is very much needed,” Stephen explains about the concept of Dads Community. “I see the breakdown in society and I do feel there’s a lack of support for dads out there. I also feel the more support we give them; the healthier society becomes and we create healthier families.” 

It was during the breakdown of his marriage and trying to navigate co-parenting that Stephen realised he needed support. Wanting to be present for his kids spurred Stephen on to connect with others and it grew from there. Enter Dads Community - a safe, welcoming and supportive space where men from all walks of life could connect, share, learn and be reminded that they weren’t alone on their journey. 

“This is a space for men to feel comfortable, for them to be able to open up and have a chat or at least listen to someone else going through a similar thing and know they aren’t alone,” Stephen said. “I realised early on you have to role model it and so I decided to jump on to a live chat in the private Facebook group daily and also share my story, my challenges, what’s happening with my life and be completely vulnerable so others know it’s okay.” 

Dads Community isn’t just talk—it’s action. Regular events include: 

• Barbecue meetups (dads and kids). 

• Sports teams (dads only). 

• Weekly Lake Eden running club (dads only). 

• Fortnightly hikes and Lake Eden walks (families, partners, kids and others). 

• Annual Christmas party (all families welcome). 

• Gel blasting and 4WD days in the bush and beach (all families welcome). 

• Men’s circles – real talk and real support for men to open up, listen and be heard. 

Creating Dads Community and making a difference in the lives of others out there has given Stephen a focus and purpose. 

“I didn't really realise I didn't have a purpose until my marriage separation happened,” Stephen said. “I felt very unfulfilled in the job I was doing and I was obviously seeking some sort of purpose, I didn’t know that I was going to get that purpose by creating the Dads Community. But watching the changes taking place and seeing them find themselves and be that better person, especially for their kids, is pretty special to see.” 

The Dads Community isn’t just making a difference for fathers, it’s changing the lives of the women who surround them as well. 

“We see so much support from wives, partners, mothers and even ex-partners, who tell us how grateful they are to see the men in their lives doing something for themselves and trying to be better,” Stephen said.  

Stephen has built more than just a community, he has built a legacy—one that continues to grow stronger with every shared story, every new father welcomed and every life made better through connection. 

If you want to know more about Dads Community, jump on the public Facebook page 

www.facebook.com/share/1Lqm6QDBcM/?mibextid=wwXIfr or email 1dadscommunity@gmail.com. There is also a private page for dads www.facebook.com/share/g/1L4jPUwHiE/?mibextid=wwXIfr