Ian Martin and Rowan Farren-Parnell are inviting other Goulburn Valley dads to join them.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
It’s no secret that going for a walk does wonders for your physical mental health, but walking with others can provide extra support when you find yourself in new and unfamiliar situations.
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Rowan Farren-Parnell identified a need for more support for the Goulburn Valley’s fathers after becoming a dad for the first time this year.
“There’s not a whole lot of support for new mums, let alone new dads,” he said.
“It’s an eye-opener having a kid; support doesn’t exist unless you have family or friends around.
“And if you’re the first in your friend group to have a child, that support system is just not there.”
Not one to accept that that’s as good as it gets, Mr Farren-Parnell has answered the call to fill that gap.
He is inviting fathers, both young and old, to join in a monthly walking group to connect with other fathers across Greater Shepparton.
Though dubbed Dad’s Walk Shepparton, the group will share locations around the entire region, not just Shepparton, choosing a different destination to catch up on the last Sunday of each month.
Mr Farren-Parnell hopes that from there, friendships will be made and other activities might be planned in between walking meets.
“It’s a kid-friendly environment, so bring along your kids,” he said.
“Older dads are welcome to come too; their experience can help support younger dads.”
Ian Martin is one of the more mature dads — and also a grandad — who has put his hand up to participate.
“I think it’s a great idea; being a dad now would be totally different, the family dynamics are totally different these days,” Mr Martin said.
“Blokes aren’t good at talking, but it’s slowly turning and these sorts of things will help.”
Both men will celebrate Father’s Day in vastly different ways this Sunday, highlighting again the different stages of life as a dad.
Mr Martin will be running front of house at Shepparton Theatre Arts Group’s Beauty and the Beast production and catching up with his mum for her birthday, which falls on the same day.
He said his adult children may not even be able to catch him.
Rowan Farren-Parnell with his wife, Joy Farren-Parnell, who is preparing to load him up with gifts on his first Father’s Day.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
Meanwhile, Mr Farren-Parnell is preparing to celebrate his very first Father’s Day, with a breakfast planned with his wife, Joy, and their four-month old baby, before heading to Bendigo for a Pokemon tournament with “a bunch of other dads from the Pokemon community”.
To find out about when and where the walking group will next meet, follow the Dad’s Walk Shepparton Facebook page.
