Join the Facebook group

For dads & father figures across the Illawarra

Dads, don’t do this alone.

Simple meetups where dads hang out and kids run wild. No agenda, just good times.

Join the Facebook group

500+ dads · Fortnightly meetups · Illawarra born

As featured in

Join 500+ Illawarra dads connecting in real life.

Regular meetups with 30–70 dads and kids showing up. No pressure, no agenda - just turn up.

actual dad feedback

“My kid has a blast, I get to catch up with other dads, and mum gets a well-earned morning to herself.”

— Tim H., father of a 3-year-old

What is Dad Gather?

A community of dads and father figures who meet regularly with their kids. No pressure. No agenda.

Grab a coffee

Meet other local dads

Let the kids run around

Mum gets a well-earned morning off too.

backed by locals

Community partners

your logo here

Become our Founding Partner →

How it works

three steps, that’s it

1/ Join up

Jump into the Facebook group - that’s where everything lives.

2/ Look up

Check what meetups are coming up around the Illawarra.

3/ Show up

Come along when it suits. Kids, prams, dogs - all good.

the who

Why I started Dad Gather

I’m a dad of two (8 and 6). I found the baby and toddler years really hard. Even with parental leave and support, I wasn’t always grounded, and I didn’t feel very equipped.

What I learned is - dadding can be incredible and brutal. And none of us are meant to do it alone.

I started Dad Gather to create a relaxed, safe space where dads (and father figures) can show up with their kids, hang out, talk if they want, and build real community and support.

No pressure and no pretending everything is perfect. Just dads supporting dads - whether you’re new, experienced, exhausted, confident, unsure, or somewhere in between.

I’m a dad of two (8 and 6). I found the baby and toddler years really hard. Even with parental leave and support, I wasn’t always grounded, and I didn’t feel very equipped.

What I learned is - dadding can be incredible and brutal. And none of us are meant to do it alone.

I started Dad Gather to create a relaxed, safe space where dads (and father figures) can show up with their kids, hang out, talk if they want, and build real community and support.

No pressure and no pretending everything is perfect. Just dads supporting dads - whether you’re new, experienced, exhausted, confident, unsure, or somewhere in between.

Paul Liddell

Founder, Dad Gather · Wollongong

Why it matters

Being a dad can be isolating. Most dads are figuring it out on the go — often without a strong local network. Dad Gather creates simple, regular chances to connect, support each other, and show up better for the kids.

Being a dad can be isolating. Most dads are figuring it out on the go - often without a strong local network. Dad Gather creates simple, regular chances to connect, support each other, and show up better for the kids.

Join the Facebook group

Dads, don’t do this alone.

Dads, don’t do this alone.

Dads, don’t do this alone.

Join 500+ Illawarra dads connecting in real life.

Join 500+ Illawarra dads connecting in real life.

Join 500+ Illawarra dads connecting in real life.

“My kid has a blast, I get to catch up with other dads, and mum gets a well-earned morning to herself.”

“My kid has a blast, I get to catch up with other dads, and mum gets a well-earned morning to herself.”

“My kid has a blast, I get to catch up with other dads, and mum gets a well-earned morning to herself.”

What is Dad Gather?

What is Dad Gather?

What is Dad Gather?

Community partners

Community partners

Community partners

How it works

How it works

How it works

1/ Join up

2/ Look up

3/ Show up

Why I started Dad Gather

Why I started Dad Gather

Why I started Dad Gather

Paul Liddell

Why it matters

Why it matters

Why it matters

Stay in the loop

Stay in the loop

Stay in the loop