Father’s Day is a chance to pause and recognise the dads and father figures who show up for us in all the ways that matter.
They teach us, encourage us, make us laugh, lend a hand when we need it and quietly do the things that often go unnoticed. They may be fathers, grandfathers, stepdads, mentors or someone who simply stepped into that role when it mattered most. Whatever the title, their contribution can leave a lasting mark.
And we also want to remember the fathers and father figures who are no longer with us. Their love, guidance, lessons and memories continue to be part of the lives they touched. While we may not be able to celebrate them in person, their influence and the special place they hold in our hearts remain. This Father’s Day, we honour them, too.
This Father’s Day, we asked you to tell us about the best father or father figure in your life — and your submissions gave us plenty of reasons to celebrate.
A Few of the Dads You Celebrated
Here are some of the wonderful submissions we received:
Submission 1
“My Dad, who has already been through cancer himself, was there for me every day when I was diagnosed with breast cancer and the 2 surgeries and radiotherapy. Even now when day to day is still hard, he does so much for me at home that I can never thank him enough..
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Happy Father's Day Dad. You deserve the best box of chocolates to enjoy on your special day. - From Samantha, NSW
Submission 2
“After immigrating to Australia when he was 3, and growing up with challenging circumstances, my husband has become a navy medic, police officer and firefighter. He has now retired after 21 years as a firefighter and decided to go to university. He is studying sport science and will graduate from the University of Western Australia this year. He is such a good example to our children of what hard work and resilience looks like. Whatever he sets his mind to he accomplishes. Not only is he an amazing man who dedicated his life to serving others, he is also a great dad.
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When our kids were little, he prioritized spending time with them. When they were in primary school, he loved to go pick them up after school and he would play with the kids on the playground after school even though he had just worked a 24 hour shift. He made time to coach our son’s football team and our daughter’s softball team. He is such a giving and generous person ... Happy Father’s Day! We love you and thanks for being such a great dad! - From Amy, WA
Submission 3
“Because they are simply the best dad in the world. Always selfless, putting family first, loving unconditionally, our rick, our safe place, full of life and laughter.
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Best dad in the world." - Deborah, NSW
Submission 4
“My son’s father! He is an incredible father to our son Harvey who is 6. During the hard times he stays calm to help my son explain what’s happening and helps him regulate. Now he is older they love to wrestle and spend lots of quality time together. My son loves to engage in play and wants nothing more than his father to do this with him. He wakes up with the biggest smile every day! He feels the love. A truely happy loved boy.
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Well deserved we love you! You are the best daddy ever! Come wrestle me! Harvey xxx I love you!" - From Mandy, QLD
Submission 5
“My husband deserves a little sweetness because he gives so much to our family. He works hard, is an amazing dad to our little boy, and is always there for us. He deserves to be spoiled and reminded just how loved and appreciated he is this Father’s Day. 🤎 We love you daddy ♥️" - Dannika, VIC
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Submission 6
“Because hes done so much for me not only my whole life but in the last few years he has built me a small house on his property that is a safe place i can return to at any time.
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Thank you for everything you've done for me dad I love you. - Elianah, SA
Submission 7
“My husband ... because he is genuinely one of the most amazing, selfless and supportive people I know. He is the kind of person who never hesitates to help, no matter how busy he is or whether it’s something he actually has to do.
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As a Year 1 teacher, my classroom can sometimes feel like a second home — and he has happily become my unofficial classroom helper! Whenever I need to set up or organise my classroom on a weekend, he comes along without complaint. ... What makes this so special is that he does it simply because he knows it makes my life a little easier. He never expects anything in return. He sees that I’m tired or have a lot on my plate, and his first instinct is always, “How can I help?” He supports me in so many little ways every day, but those little things mean the world to me. He makes the stressful moments easier, the busy weekends more manageable, and reminds me that I never have to do everything alone.
So, while he may not be the one standing in front of a classroom teaching Year 1, he definitely plays a very important role behind the scenes! ... He truly is amazing, and I’m so lucky to have him." - Susan, ACT
Submission 8
“My husband, Carlos, for being the most supportive man in the world. During my most difficult periods in life he always knows how to make me laugh and bring joy into my life. - Linda, NSW
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Submission 9
“My husband has been my greatest source of strength and comfort throughout my both of my cancer diagnoses and treatments in the past 11 years. During some of the most frightening and uncertain times in our lives, he has cared for our family with incredible patience, love, and unwavering support.
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He has been there through the difficult days, the appointments, treatments, the worries, and the moments when everything feels overwhelming. He has taken on extra responsibilities, cares for our family, and continues to make sure everyone feels safe, loved, and supported—even when he's carrying his own fears and emotions.
His strength has never been about pretending that things are easy. It has been in the quiet ways he shows up every day, in his kindness, reassurance, and willingness to put our family first. I will always be grateful for the love and dedication he shows us throughout this journey. He has been not only my husband, but my protector, my caregiver, my partner, and my constant source of hope. " - Pauline, QLD
Submission 10
“My brother is the eldest son in our family and growing up our parents worked alternatively during the day to support our family. During the times we were home alone because Mum's on her way out to work and Dad's on his way back home - Manuel was in charge of looking after us younger siblings. Manuel would cook for us and make sure we did our chores...
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Now Manuel is a single Father of 6, working hard to provide for his family. Life has been a challenge because Manuel wants nothing more than to live with his children and do all the Dad things our Dad did for us growing up such as make our lunch, braid our hair, cook dinner and teach us about our Faith in Jesus and life skills. However because Manuel's work takes him out of town for the most part, his children live with their maternal grandparents.
When my brother is home, he's present and does all the small things he misses out on daily and I know his children love their Dad time because it's an adventure each and every day. I know my brother has dreams of pursuing a career where his children can live with him and build a career that doesn't take him out of town weeks on end. However until that dream comes to pass, I want my brother Manuel to know how much we love and appreciate him and this is my way of showing my appreciation ...
To our big brother Manny. Thank you for stepping in to help Mum and Dad while we were growing up... We love you and appreciate you and wish nothing but the Lord's best within, through and for your life this Father's Day and beyond. God bless and love always your younger siblings & Dad jr... 'Ofa lahi atu." - LAVINIA, NSW
Every story was different, but each one shared something special: appreciation for someone who has made a difference.
A Sweet Thank You
We selected our Father’s Day giveaway results at random from both shared and unshared submissions. While someone was chosen to receive our Father’s Day Hero Bundle, we know that choosing a winner doesn’t mean choosing the “best” dad.
Thank you to everyone who took the time to nominate someone special and share a little of their story with us. We loved hearing about the dads who have supported, inspired, guided and loved the people around them.
From all of us at See’s Candies Australia, Happy Father’s Day to the dads and father figures who make life a little sweeter.
