So Now You're A Dad

Indigenous men connecting with their babies

Craig Hammond & Richard Fletcher

When it comes to making that all-important connection with your child, we know from our research that "the earlier the better". In this inspiring DVD, Indigenous dads from the Hunter Valley, NSW, share their thoughts on what it means to them to connect with their babies.

Men from all walks of life candidly discuss their mixed feelings, from fear for their partner's health to their sense of joy at becoming a father. These dads all embrace fatherhood and demonstrate the strengths and skills that helped them through this emotionally draining but exhilerating moment in their lives.

This collaborative project was coordinated by Craig Hammond of the Family Action Centre's Indigenous Program. It was funded by UnitingCare Burnside, a member of the UnitingCare Children, Young People and Families Services of UnitingCare NSW/ACT.

Our particular thanks to the participants: Emma Beckett and the staff of the Awabakal Childcare Centre; Ian Eggins and son Tatum; Scott Leighton and daughter Latoya; Jade North and sone Zane; Dean Smith and daughter Ochre-Rose; Jai Stamp-Cook and nephew Ngurru. Post-production by Joel Wenitong of Blackchilli Productions.

Copies of the DVD can be purchased from the Family Action Centre for $30.00. Simply call the FAC on 02 4921 6403 or email Anne Barnett.

Cultural Note:This DVD was produced with the assistance of Indigenous men in the Hunter Valley of New South Wales. While the material conveys important aspects of the fathering experience of these men it does not attempt to address cultural issues outside this immediate region.
For example, the content and philosoophies it describes may not be culturally appropriate for Indigenous communities in remote or traditional settings. In some communities it is not culturally appropriate for men  to be present at the birth; thus, showing this DVD might be disrespectful and may be seen as demonstrating ignorance of men's roles in the community.
A further note of caution: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are advised that this DVD may contain images of people who have since passed away, or of sacred sites.