A first for Australia: 3AW Lunchtime Rumours Feast brings the Young Dads Program closer to launch

This year, that generosity delivered, with the 19th Annual 3AW Lunchtime Rumours Feast raising more than $110,000. This will result in Kids First bringing a new program supporting young fathers to Australia for the very first time.

This year’s Feast also carried extra significance, marking Kids First Australia’s 130th anniversary, dating all the way to that fateful Saturday morning in 1896 where a group led by Lady Sybil de Vere Brassy formed what was then known as the Victorian Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children. This makes Kids First one of the oldest child protection organisations in Australia.
 

Familiar faces joined by new friends
Heidi Murphy returned as MC, joined by 3AW’s Ross Stevenson and Russel Howcroft on hosting duties. Kids First also welcomed Collingwood legend Peter Daicos and Carlton premiership player Glenn Manton who shared their stories on fatherhood and the importance of being a positive role model in their children’s lives. The afternoon was capped off by a memorable performance from acclaimed violinist Samantha Abela who was one of the afternoon’s standout moments.
 

Funds raised will help Kids First pioneer a brand-new program
The money raised from this year’s event will help Kids First launch the Young Dads Program in Australia – a six-week program already proven in Canada, built specifically for fathers aged 16 to 24. It gives young dads a space with other young dads to talk about how they were parented, to build hands-on parenting skills, and to figure out, together, the kind of father they want to be.

The timing is deliberate. The first 1,001 days of a child’s life, from conception to age two, are a critical window for attachment, brain development and lifelong wellbeing. By reaching young dads during this period, the program gives them a real, practical support exactly when it matters most.

CEO Nicole Artico put it simply “For 130 years, Kids First has understood that changing a child’s future often begins with supporting the people around them. The generosity we saw at this year’s lunchtime Feast means we can take another important step forward supporting young dads early in their parenting journey”.

Chair Sandy Forbes closed the day by reminding the room what they were a part of “Every one of you in this room today is part of a story that started 130 years ago. What you’ve given this afternoon funds a young dad’s confidence to be an important role model for his child. Thank you for being a part of that”.
 

Thank you
To our major sponsors - 3AW Melbourne, Marriner Group, De Bortoli Family and Kieser – thank you for supporting this year’s event.

To Elaine and David Marriner, Sarah Krell, the many sponsors and businesses who supported the day, and every volunteer who helped bring it together – thank you.

And to everyone who attended and help made the 19th 3AW Lunchtime Rumours Feast what it was, thank you. 130 years since Kids First began, that same generosity is what’s making a new program for young dads and their children possible today.

Next year’s Lunchtime Rumours Feast marks 20 years – a milestone in its own right, and one Kids First is already looking forward to celebrating with our community. For information to next year’s event and to receive exclusive access to early bird tickets please contact us at communications@kidsfirstaustralia.org.au