Dads get together for kids
TOOWOOMBA City Church senior pastor Will Curtis is part of a group of community leaders who want to highlight the importance of fathers and father-figures in the Toowoomba region.
The group recently held a free event at Newtown Park which involved a sausage sizzle, ball games and paper plane making.
“Simple is best – that’s the way men like it. It was a great avenue for Dads to have fun with their kids and meet other Dads,” Mr Curtis said.
Mr Curtis is a father of five children, aged eight to 15.
He said the little things, such as Dads spending time with their children, had great significance beyond the present.
“For boys, we learn from watching and being shown – to see a role model showing us what it means to have healthy relationships, and how to deal with conflict or anger,” Mr Curtis said.
“My Dad was an amazing man who loved his kids.
“He gave us a stable and secure home and taught us what it looks like to treat others with love and respect.”
Member for Toowoomba South David Janetzki MP said fathers played a life-changing role in their children’s lives.
“Any event that encourages fathers and caregivers to invest more deeply in the relationships with their children can only lead to a better community,” Mr Janetzki said.
Highfields Community Church pastor Marius Kruger is heading the group which aims to hold bigger events in future.
“This group is for Toowoomba men, it’s not faith specific,” Mr Kruger said.
“We saw a need in the community to do something more to connect Dads with their kids and give them some tools.
“We want to build this group from the ground up and have a place to chat while the kids are playing.
“I think the most important thing is time, kids spell love ‘t-i-m-e’.”