Australian Father of the Year award
Awarded Name Post-nominals Notes
2018 Dick Smith AC Entrepreneur and philanthropist
2017 Mike Baird former Premier of New South Wales
2016 Lieutenant General David Hurley AC , DSC Governor of New South Wales
2015 Jamal Rifi Doctor ( founder Australia Muslim Doctors against Violence )
2014 Andrew Gaze AM Basketballer
2013 Corporal Ben Roberts-Smith VC , MG Soldier
2012 John Symond AM Executive Chairman of Aussie Home Loans . Chairman of Sydney Opera House Trust
2011 Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston AC , AFC Former Chief of the Defence Force
2010 Guy Cooper Former Chief Executive of the Taronga and Western Plains Zoos
2009 Li Cunxin Dancer
2008 Paul Roos Footballer
2007 David Koch Television Presenter
2006 Ron Delezio Founder of Day of Difference Foundation
2005 Steve Waugh AO Cricketer
2004 Graeme Clark AC Cochlear Implant Developer
2003 Karl Kruszelnicki Scientist
2002 Steve Vizard Media personality
2001 Jim Rafter Father of nine including tennis player Pat Rafter
2000 Stephen Biddulph AM Parenting activist
1999 Slim Dusty AO , MBE Musician
Past recipients
The Australian Father of the Year award is an Australian award to honour and showcase a fine example of Australian fatherhood. Inaugurated in 1957, the Australian Father of the Year has been awarded annually to high-profile, famous fathers, from prime ministers & politicians to sportsmen, business leaders, entertainers and musicians acknowledging the support, guidance and love they show to Australian children.