Meet the Founder
STEPHEN
HIRST
Founder, Dads Community
"I made a promise that if I could get back on my feet, I would do everything I could to make sure other dads didn't have to go through that alone."
Meet the Founder
STEPHEN
HIRST
Founder, Dads Community
"I made a promise that if I could get back on my feet, I would do everything I could to make sure other dads didn't have to go through that alone."
The Story
From Rock Bottom
to Rising Up.
The Beginning
Hitting Rock Bottom
Like many dads, Stephen found himself at his lowest point, isolated, struggling, and with no clear path forward. But rather than stay there, he chose to do something different. He chose to get back up.
The Promise
A Decision That Changed Everything
Stephen made a promise to himself: if he could get back on his feet, he would do everything in his power to make sure other dads didn't have to go through that alone. That promise became the foundation of everything that followed.
The Spark
One BBQ in Brisbane
It started with one simple BBQ meetup. No fanfare, no resources, no roadmap. Just one dad wanting to serve other dads. That gathering planted a seed that neither Stephen nor anyone else could have predicted would grow so fast.
The Growth
A Movement Is Born
From that one BBQ, the Dads Community became one of Australia's fastest-growing fatherhood communities. Multiple events, hundreds of dads supporting each other, kids building lifelong friendships, and lives genuinely being changed. Some have even been saved.
Today & Beyond
3,500+ Dads and Still Growing
Today Dads Community has strong communities across Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast, with the PREVENT program and RISE events helping dads stay strong before challenges escalate. It's an award-winning movement, but Stephen is quick to point out it's not about him. It's about the men who show up.
What Drives Him
"I started this because I needed purpose. I wanted to serve. The Dads Community isn't because of me it's, because of the incredible men who show up for themselves, their kids, and each other."
— Stephen, Founder of Dads Community
What Stephen Stands For
Built on These Beliefs
01
No Dad Left Behind
Every dad deserves access to connection, support, and community regardless of his circumstances or how far he's fallen. No one should have to go through it alone.
02
Ownership Over
Victimhood
Stephen believes in helping dads take ownership of their journey. Not blame, not excuses just the tools, support, and brotherhood to move forward and lead positive change.
03
Kids Are the Real
Winners
When dads heal and grow, the ripple effect reaches their children. Every innocent child deserves a dad who is present, emotionally strong, and fully engaged in their life.
04
Prevention Over Crisis
Through the PREVENT program and RISE events, Stephen's focus is getting to dads before they hit bottom, building resilience, connection, and coping systems before they're urgently needed.
3,400+
ACTIVE MEMBERS
1
MISSION
1
AWARD WINNING COMMUNITY
Join the Movement
This Is Only
The Beginning.
Stephen built this for every dad who's ever felt like he had no one to call. If that's you, there's a community here waiting for you.
IF YOU ARE STRUGGLING RIGHT NOW
You are not alone, Brother!
If you need immediate help, please reach out:
Lifeline: 13 11 14
MensLine: 1300 789 978
Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636
