News Archive

A new DVD resource for Western Australian schools which demonstrates the powerful role dads can play in the health and education of their children will be launched at The University of Western Australia this Friday, August 31, at 10.30am.

What Kids Really Need From Their Dads was developed by The Fathering Project, co-led by UWA’s Professor Bruce Robinson and Edith Cowan University’s Professor Donna Cross.

“Fathers and father-figures are the most powerful untapped resource in our community for the prevention of issues such as truancy, bullying, depression, drug addiction and crime,” Professor Robinson said.

“The cost of this problem to the Australian community is estimated at more than $12 billion per year so this DVD could save our community many millions of dollars each year.”

The DVD and accompanying booklet, which teach fathers and father-figures how to engage with their children, are being released in the lead-up to Father’s Day by UWA Chancellor Dr Michael Chaney in the Vice-Chancellery’s Prescott Room.

The resource is designed to be used as a stimulus for discussion and further reading and copies will be sent to all WA State and independent primary and secondary schools.

Media references

Professor Bruce Robinson (UWA School of Medicine and Pharmacology)    0419 926 109

Simone Hewett / Francesca Robb 61 8 6488 7977
(UWA Public Affairs)    0420 790 097 / 0420 790 098