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1 September 2020
Happy Father’s Day to all the dads out there in our VMCH community. We wanted to highlight the contribution of some the ‘dads of VMCH’, and what they believe are the challenges and joys of parenthood.
A big shout out to all the special men in children’s lives – step-dads, uncles, grandfathers and family friends. We hope you have a lovely day.
Ben Spooner – Senior Manager Disability Services
Why do you enjoy working within the not-for-profit sector? In my experience, people who work in the not-for-profit sector really care about each other and give a lot, and there is generally good teamwork to hit a common goal. I’ve always been motivated by wanting to help people and give back in my professional life as a physiotherapist and then as a manager. Not-for-profit organisations exist to do just this. No wonder I work in this area!
Has your role changed due to COVID? Not really but it has sharpened the focus of what we do. The people I manage and work with have been incredibly dedicated to make sure our clients and workplaces are safe, that we communicate well to clients, families and staff, and that our services and business processes respond to all of the changes – and let’s be honest, there has been heaps of change. I want to give huge props to my team for the hard yards they’ve done over the past few months.
What are the current juggles for dads? For me it’s juggling work, raising the kids, supporting my wife Kate who’s teaching them right now, and managing some of the cabin fever that inevitably creeps in. We have to make sure we don’t crash and burn. I try to look after myself by resting and recharging, exercising, eating well and keeping my faith central to my life. Parents have to wear many hats, so it’s knowing when to put on the right one in the heat of the moment. I don’t always get it right, but we usually muddle through together and work it out.
Why do you love being a dad? It’s rewarding to see your kids overcome obstacles as they grow and mature. I try to always back my kids where I can in the decisions they make, so long as they’ve thought about it from all angles. I love to see them succeed but also to help them. I love that scene from Batman when a young Bruce Wayne has fallen down a well. When his father rescues him, he says to him, “And why do we fall, Bruce? So we can learn to pick ourselves up.”
What are you wanting to do on Father’s Day? Probably fixing a fence or chopping wood then maybe a walk with the dog. If the kids are lucky they might even get me to join them on Xbox for a bit.
Why do you enjoy working within the not-for-profit sector? I think the values of a not-for-profit organisation generally attract a group of staff who genuinely care for those less fortunate and in need. If you look at the industries at the frontline of the current COVID pandemic – healthcare, disability services, homelessness, education and research – these are sectors with a high share of not-for-profits companies. I hope that one of the lasting impacts of COVID will be greater community recognition of the role of the not-for-profit sector.
Has your role changed due to COVID? Yes, I’ve had to become more tactical. For example, I oversee our Customer Service Centre and the role of this team was quickly extended to help communicate with families of our Residential Aged Care sites in COVID lockdown. Like all of our support services, I’m also now working from home and myself and my wife are trying to juggle work with home-schooling our 3 primary school aged boys.
What are the current juggles for dads? COVID has been a massive test for all of us in different ways. For many dad’s, including myself, I think spending more time at home and with our kids has been a real challenge but given us an enormous appreciation for the juggle that most mums do daily. I also think our school teachers are amazing and have the patience, kindness and enthusiasm of saints.
Why do you love being a dad? Being a dad is a daily mix of frustration, tiredness, laughter, play and pride. I don’t love it every day, and I often struggle to balance being a dad with my other roles – husband, son, brother, friend, employee. My kids help me to keep life simple, have fun and put the small things into perspective.
What are you wanting to do on Father’s Day? I hope I get to go for a bike ride with my kids. Despite the current COVID situation in Victoria, I feel incredibly lucky to be a dad to 3 healthy kids who get to grow up in a country like Australia. I also have a suspicion that I’m getting a Fitbit – my wife keeps telling me that I don’t exercise enough so I think this is her way of showing me that she’s right!
Why do you enjoy working within the not-for-profit sector? Most of my working life has been spent working within the not-for-profit sector. I like the idea of resident / client focus rather than profits for shareholders.
Has your role changed due to COVID? COVID has made a big difference to not only the way I do my but my job itself. However in an unprecedented pandemic like this in our lifetime, everyone just needs to get on and do what needs to be done to get through this.
What are the current juggles for dads? I’m not sure about dads in general, however I know for myself that teenage girls are very expensive to have around.
Why do you love being a dad? What’s not to love? I’m proud every day. It’s the happiest feeling in the world knowing that there is this little person that thinks you are a superhero and can do anything….with an endless supply of money …
What are you wanting to do on Father’s Day? Just spend the day with my family, maybe have a BBQ, if it’s not raining.
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