Wyndham Vale’s Adam Strathairn was last week named Victoria’s top dad.
Mr Strathairn was chosen as Victoria’s 2014 Father of the Year, beating a field of more than 1500 contenders.
He had earlier been picked as YMCA Victoria’s Community Father of the Year, after being nominated by his two children, 11-year-old Ava and eight-year-old Oscar.
The 38-year-old full-time horticulturist balances his busy schedule with coaching several teams at Good News Basketball Club and volunteering as the club’s president, secretary and registrar.
But there’s much more to this devoted dad.
Every Sunday in the Strathairn household is family day, which involves outdoor adventures to learn about plants or having the grandparents around for a family dinner.
With his passion for nature and healthy living, Mr Strathairn helped Ava and Oscar design a suburban oasis in their backyard, complete with vegie patch and chicken run.
Mr Strathairn was surprised to be named as Victoria’s top dad.
“It was overwhelming, but I’m very proud,” he said.
“As a father, you want to be a positive influence on your children.
“Most importantly, you want them to learn to respect themselves and others and be well mannered – that’s one of the best compliments you can get as a parent.”
Mr Strathairn’s wife, Simone, said any time their children needed a driver, support, advice or anything else, their dad was there.
“He ticks all the boxes. He’s loving and caring and wants to help our children and other kids he coaches reach their potential,” she said.
Father-in-law Greg Grundy said Mr Strathairn’s volunteering spirit and positive outlook rubbed off on his children.
“I can’t fault him; he’s everything you’d want for your daughter,” he said. “And as far as kids go, he epitomises a family man.”
Father’s Day Council of Victoria chairman Don Parsons said the award recognised the importance of fathering and family life, whatever the composition of the family.
“The council has searched far and wide for an exemplary father figure – someone people can look up to and aspire to be like,” he said. “A good person, good family values and a good community member.”
Since 1956, the council has named a Father of the Year for Victoria to celebrate and recognise the important role that fathers and father-figures play in family life.
