ABOUT THE SYMPOSIUM

The symposium is an annual opportunity for researchers to build and consolidate collaborations with other researchers and practitioners who work with fathers. The event is co-hosted by Deakin University (Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development) and The University of Newcastle. A range of disciplines are represented.

Join us for keynote presentations, networking, and snapshot summaries that showcase research and father-inclusive programs from around Australia.

The symposium is organised by the Australian Fatherhood Research Consortium, which seeks to advance the science of fatherhood; inform practice and policy that supports men and their families; and, promote healthy inclusion of fathers in family life.

We invite you to join us to build effective collaborations so that we may further the evidence base on fathering.

The 2024 symposium will be a hybrid event held at Deakin Downtown (Melbourne) and Online via Zoom.

Day 1: May 16th - Keynote speaker Milton Kotelchuck and research presentations.

Day 2: May 17th - Keynote panel chaired by Rebecca Giallo, Shaun Tonkes and Le Ann Williams, and research presentations.

Registration is essential.

Key Dates

18 September 2023 - Registrations open

2 October 2023 - Abstract submissions open

1 December 2023 - Abstract submissions close

14th May 2024 - Final date to process registration refunds

PROGRAM

Download the DRAFT version of the program for the 2024 Australian Fatherhood Research Symposium.
Please note that this program is subject to change.

 
 
 
 

REGISTRATION

In-person (non-student, includes lunch and morning and afternoon tea): $175

Student concession in-person (includes lunch and morning and afternoon tea): $135

Online (non-student full rate): $115

Student concession online: $75

ABSTRACT SUBMISSIONS

Both researchers and organisations are invited to submit abstracts summarising proposed or completed research, applied programs, or organisation descriptions. Accepted presentations and posters will be shared by presenters in-person or via zoom screen share.

Please structure your abstracts under the following headings: 

·         Research presentation: Background & Aims, Method, Results, Conclusion &/or Implications;

·         Program or Organisation description presentation: Background/Aims, Description, Impact.

Abstracts should be no longer than 300 words.

Please note: Organisational presentations are only accepted from not-for-profit or government organisations.

Oral presentations are limited to 10 minutes (maximum of 10 slides) and poster presentations are limited to 3 minutes (1 slide). Each presentation or poster session will be chaired with time for discussion at the end of each session. 

ABSTRACT SUBMISSIONS ARE CLOSED FOR 2024!

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

PROF. MILTON KOTELCHUCK, Ph.D., m.p.h

Engaged Fatherhood for Men, Families and Gender Equality: Advances in Research, Practice and Policy

Milton Kotelchuck PhD MPH is currently Professor of Pediatrics at Harvard Medical School, and Senior Scientist in Maternal and Child Health at the Center for Child & Adolescent Health Research and Policy, Division of General Academic Pediatrics, MassGeneral Hospital for Children, and the Research Director of the Fatherhood Project at Massachusetts General Hospital. He received his PhD in Personality and Developmental Psychology and an MPH in Maternal and Child Health (MCH) and Epidemiology from Harvard University.

Dr. Kotelchuck has extensive experience evaluating public health programs and policies to improve reproductive and child health outcomes and health equity. His fatherhood research began with his 1972 doctoral thesis, “The Nature of the Child’s Ties to his Father” and has recently focused on men’s preconception and perinatal health; on paternal programmatic and clinical engagement to improve birth and infant obesity-related outcomes; and on paternal utilization of paid family and medical leave. Dr. Kotelchuck serves on numerous state and national committees to improve perinatal and child health services. He is also the Senior and founding Editor of the Maternal and Child Health Journal. In 2000, Dr. Kotelchuck was awarded the first National MCH Epidemiology Award for “Advancing Knowledge” from the Coalition for Excellence in MCH Epidemiology, and in 2010, he received the American Public Health Association’s (APHA) Martha May Eliot Award, its highest MCH Award, for “exceptional health services for mothers and children”.

VENUE

Deakin Downtown: Level 12 / Tower 2, 727 Collins Street Melbourne Victoria 3008

 

HOW TO GET THERE

TRAIN

TRAM

  • Collins Square has a tram super-stop at its front door, offering frequent services in to the CBD and is within the Free Tram Zone. Other Tram stops close to Collins Square are located at the Flinders Street / Wurundjeri Way side of Collins Square (catch the City Circle Tram here) and Spencer Street and Collins Street intersection. Plan your journey on the Public Transport Victoria (PTV) website.

CAR

  • Parking nearby is expensive unless you arrive before 10am and leave after 4pm, so it might be best to catch a taxi, tram or train. Secure parking is available nearby at: 664 Collins Street, Melbourne; or at 700 Collins Street, Docklands.

MYKI CARDS

  • To use trams, trains and buses around Melbourne you’ll need to buy a Myki card. These can be purchased at any train station. Southern Cross Station is a 3 minute walk from Deakin Downtown. Myki cards are very easy to use, just top up credit or buy a pass at a shop or station, then touch-on once you’ve boarded the tram or bus – or touch-on and off to get through the barriers at train stations. Visit the Public Transport Victoria (PTV) Myki site.

ACCOMMODATION

Travelodge docklands 

  • Travelodge Hotel Melbourne Docklands is located centrally in the Docklands area, adjacent to Southern Cross Station and just a six minute walk to Deakin Downtown. Etihad Stadium and Melbourne Aquarium are all nearby. Visit the Travelodge Hotel website for more information.

BATMAN’S HILL ON COLLINS

  • Batman’s Hill on Collins is a historical hotel located directly opposite Southern Cross Station. It is only a 6-minute walk from the hotel to Deakin Downtown. Visit the Batman’s Hill on Collins website for more information.

 

THE SAVOY HOTEL ON LITTLE COLLINS

  • The Savoy Hotel on Little Collins is a highly rated accommodation on Trip Advisor and located opposite Southern Cross Station. And just an 8 minute walk along Collins Street to reach Deakin Downtown. Visit the Savoy Hotel on Little Collins website for more information.

TRAVELLING TO AND FROM THE AIRPORT

SkyBus

  • SkyBus offers an express bus service between Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine) to Melbourne City for $22 per adult, one way. SkyBus also offers the free Sky Bus Link shuttle service to Melbourne City hotels from Southern Cross Station. Visit the SkyBus website for more information.

Taxi

  • Melbourne’s taxis are a convenient way to get from the airport to your destination. You can catch a taxi from designated taxi ranks located on the ground floor outside Terminal 1 and in the Terminal 4 Car Park. Visit the Melbourne Airport website for information on taxi ranks.

  • A trip from the Melbourne Airport to Deakin Downtown is estimated to cost from $70.

THINGS TO DO IN MELBOURNE

Museums, galleries, and zoos

Shopping and eating

Explore the region

  • If you are staying over the weekend, you can jump on a bus and visit the Yarra Valley for a winery tour and tasting.

For further information please contact -

Georgia Zoumboulis
georgia.zoumboulis@deakin.edu.au