In the lead-up to Father’s Day, we spoke with Stephen Hirst, 2025 Westfield North Lakes Local Hero, to discuss the importance of men’s mental health. Stephen is the CEO of Dads Community, a non-profit organisation that supports men and their families by running local activities and events that prioritise human connection and community.

Can you tell us about Dads Community and what inspired you to start it?

Dads Community is a non-profit organisation based in Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast. We have around 3,500 members now which includes dads, their partners and their children. Day-to-day it’s all about human connection and getting men out of isolation and supporting them.

It all started 4 years ago; I was going through a time where I felt I was at rock bottom. I was alone, isolated and I felt like I needed human connection. I started a Facebook page called Dads Community and organised a BBQ meetup in Brisbane for Dads who just needed to be around other men and get support. I realised I wasn’t alone in my struggles, and we started doing more and more BBQ meetups. Now we have a weekly run club, weekly futsal and more.

What does Father's Day mean to the dads in your community?

Father’s Day is complex for a lot of dads. Some of us are going through co-parenting struggles, some aren’t even seeing their kids, there can be a lot of pain there. Even dads that celebrate the day with their families will usually try and play it down a lot because they don’t want all the attention on them. But secretly we love feeling significant and special and having a bit of attention on us. It’s a cool day.

If you are a dad celebrating Father’s Day, be proud of the man and father you are, even if it’s tough. We’re all being fathers for the first time and we all make mistakes. Be kind to yourself and keep doing your best because if you’re doing it from the right place then that’s all that matters. Keep showing up for yourself and your kids.

You were recognised as a Westfield Local Hero in 2025. What does this mean for you personally?

It was very surprising and very humbling. I’ve always been a quiet achiever, and I started Dads Community from a place of hardship and pain, so to be recognised for the work I do is really special.

I see Westfield as a hub of local community where so many families go to spend time together, so to have Dads Community recognised by Westfield is exceptional.

How did the grant impact your organisation and community?

The grant has been an amazing support. We’ve been running Dads Community through our own means, so having a substantial grant like this has helped me give more support to the fathers. We’ve been able to get our official website up and running, as well as start our new initiative, PREVENT, which helps give dads the strength to work through problems before they escalate by encouraging skill building and community connection.

If you need support, please phone Lifeline: 13 11 14

Voting is now open for 2026 Westfield Local Heroes. Discover the finalists in your area and cast your vote before 20 September.