2019 Winner
Phil Sargeson
2019 Queensland Father of the Year
Phil Sargeson is a proud father of two who selflessly devotes his life to helping those in need. In 2015, Phil and his wife Samara launched Cereal for Coffee, a charity that every week provides more than 1,100 school kids with a healthy breakfast. When Phil heard that one in five children arrived at school without breakfast, he knew he had to do something about it, and so he did. He is a role-model to his two kids, and a hero to his community.
2019 Regional Winners

Kevin O’Riely
Central Queensland
Kevin is a father of three, and Grandfather of nine. He’s lived his life serving others and bringing positivity no matter where he is. His job as a school groundsman, gardener and farm-keeper gives him the chance to input into young people and bring a spark to their lives. When his children were growing up, Kevin would take his family on annual holidays. He knew how special the memories would be, and always made sure they got the opportunity to connect as a family.

Sebastian Torrisi
North Queensland
Sebastian is a father of four whose story is all about resilience. He was nominated by his two daughters, Lucia and Nadia, because of all he has taught them about getting back up again and standing strong. Sebastian suffers chronic pain from a workplace accident twenty years ago, but life as a stay-at-home-dad has taught him to focus on the things that really matter in life: family.

Josh Stanton
Southern Queensland
Josh was nominated by his wife Simone and their three kids for his dedication to their family. He is intentional about spending quality time with his children, and always makes sure he’s involved with their homework, reading and sporting commitments. Josh has been Coach of his eldest son’s footy team for the past seven years. Even though he works full-time, Josh makes sure that his first loyalties are always to his family.

Thomas Docking
Sunshine Coast and Wide Bay
Thomas, father of three, has a passion to help new dads become more confident and competent in their role as a father. As a way to put this into action, he founded Dads Group Inc. – a national not-for-profit group that connects new dads into peer support groups. Thomas acknowledges that while being a dad is not always easy and looks different for everyone, it’s one of the most important jobs to ever exist.
CELEBRATING FATHERHOOD
The aim of the award is to recognise the significant role fathers play in their children’s well-being and development and to raise awareness of the value of fathers in the family and the community.
It identifies and honours outstanding fathers for their exceptional commitment to raising their children or for their exemplary contribution to the development of children in the community.
WATCH DARIN BROWNE’S STORY
2018 Queensland Father of the Year