Ahead of Fathers’ Day, several researchers from the University of the Sunshine Coast are available to speak with the media on various topics.

Study into co-parenting support

USC psychology PhD researcher Leanne Francia is conducting a study on the conflict experienced by separated parents and found that 95 percent of respondents to her study had so far have been female.

“Co-parenting of children is on the rise in Australia and we want to know if the appropriate systems are working to support everyone involved, including dads,” she said.

Contact: Leanne Francia, 0428 734 144 or leanne.francia@research.usc.edu.au

Father’s role in child’s play

Senior Lecturer in Psychology Dr Rachael Sharman says while play is an important part of childhood, fathers tend to play with children in a different way to mothers.

“Fathers tend to engage in less structured, less directive play and are more tolerant of the child making mistakes and learning through failure, all of which is very good,” she said.

Contact: Dr Rachael Sharman, 07 5459 4767, rsharman@usc.edu.au

Male health

Professor John Lowe Head of the School of Health and Sport Sciences can comment on male health topics relevant to fathers.

Contact: John Lowe, 07 5456 5030, jlowe@usc.edu.au

New National Fatherhood Program

USC Lecturer in Communication Dr Greg Nash has been appointed to the national expert reference group for the new National Fatherhood Program by White Ribbon Australia.

“This whole-of-community program will be engaging men – as fathers, soon-to-be fathers, or those in father figure roles – to model and foster positive and respectful attitudes and behaviours towards girls and women,” Dr Nash said.

Contact: Dr Gregory Nash, 07 5456 5512, gnash@usc.edu.au

- Janelle Kirkland