Father’s Day In Full Gear

As we gear up for a special day this weekend, it’s a time to honour the fathers, step-dads, granddads, and all the father figures who have a special knack for dodgy dance moves, overused catchphrases, and, of course, those legendary dad jokes that somehow never get old. Father’s Day is a day to celebrate the wisdom, the patience, and the endless love these people bring into our lives—often served with a side of wit and a penchant for reminding us to 'check the oil.'
This Sunday, the region is buzzing with activities tailor-made for the dads in our lives. Head over to Dad's Day in the Valley, where an array of cars and machinery will be on display, accompanied by delicious food stalls—because we all know the way to a dad’s heart is through his stomach. For those with a love of nostalgia and locomotion, the miniature trains will be chugging along at Ooralea, offering a delightful day out for young and old alike. Meanwhile, Jazz in the Park promises smooth tunes in the sunshine, and for the more active dads, the River to Reef cycling challenge is back with a heap of great events, testing pedals and perseverance across the weekend.
As we raise a glass (or a wrench) to the father figures who’ve shaped us, remember this: "A father is someone you look up to no matter how tall you grow." I’m exceptionally lucky to have a wonderful husband who has had to step up even more as a dad this year in ways he never would have pictured a year ago. When I’ve been in hospital countless times for surgery and chemotherapy, he’s been the one taking time off work to look after our son. Thank you, Hamish, you’re one in a million.
And in the spirit of the day, here’s a little something to keep the tradition alive: Why do fathers take an extra pair of socks when they go golfing? In case they get a hole in one!
Happy Father's Day to all the amazing dads out there—you’re simply the best!
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Amanda

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