Families
The research conducted by the Families research theme aims to improve health and wellbeing through developing and evaluating targeted interventions in the context of families.
We have a unique focus on interventions that target fathers/father-figures as agents of change within their families. Our internationally acclaimed programs are now being scaled up across the nation and expanded worldwide following unprecedented demand from the global academic community as well as from not-for-profit, government and corporate organisations.
Current research projects
Daughters and Dads, Active and Empowered
Daughters and Dads Active and Empowered is a world-first lifestyle program targeting fathers as the agents of change to improve their daughters’ physical activity levels, sport skills and social-emotional wellbeing.
Healthy Dads, Healthy Kids
Healthy Dads, Healthy Kids (HDHK) is a community-based, multi-award winning program which engages fathers in positive lifestyle role modelling and effective parenting strategies to improve the physical activity and dietary behaviours of both themselves and their children.
Healthy Youngsters, Healthy Dads
Healthy Youngsters, Healthy Dads is a program targeting fathers and their preschool-aged children. HYHD provides families with evidence-based parenting strategies to improve family eating and physical activity and optimise child physical and mental wellbeing.
Theme Leader
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.