I joined the fabulous Gabriella Campelli-Ignacz in discussing gender equality for fathers. 

We talked about how outdated gender stereotypes hurt fathers and men in general. We highlight that personality traits and behaviour associated with masculinity or femininity are not determined by gender, but by character and values.  

We shone a light on how the equality debate often doesn't include fathers and how this should be improved. The bumbling man-child image of fathers is demeaning and patronising, when the truth is that men can be very capable fathers if they're given the opportunity to practice and learn.   

Workplaces need to facilitate fathers doing more parenting because, as Michael points out, true equality for women at the workplace cannot happen without true equality for men at home.

We need to acknowledge and address the outdated gender expectations, assumptions and, #stereotypeands that are holding back equality for ALL of US.  

Here in Victoria, the first point of contact and the ongoing support hub for new parents is the "MATERNAL and Child Health Centre"  

11 months ago, after some lobbying by myself, Rod Barton MP in the Victorian Parliament, moved a motion to change the name to "PARENTAL and Child Health Centre" and to install change tables in Male toilets when a parent's room isn't available to better reflect and support the wonderful diversity of contemporary families and our goal of:

Enabling, 

Encouraging, and finally, 

Expecting men to be held equally responsible for raising the next generation which will assist in facilitating Women's #equality.  

These things: labels, words and language may seem small in relation to the challenges we're facing, however, when you consider we all communicate in some way.  

Therefore, language comes first and culture, meaning, expectations and understanding develop as a result.  

As our language increases in complexity and is more inclusive, so will our culture, because we're able to convey more in-depth ideas and a clear acceptance and understanding of expectations.  

"Women don't just become mothers, people become parents"~ Caroline Strachan

DADS IN BUSINESS 

SELF-AWARENESS. SUPPORT. REAL TALK. 

A supportive network to help busy dads manage themselves, their family, and their business. Better. 

We spoke with Michael Ray about all sorts of topics including what Dads can do to be more present with their kids, how perceptions of equality aren't really helping, stigmas that exist, and how solo Dads or those who are the primary caregiver can manage themselves and their relationship with their kids.  

A really great time here with some very helpful outcomes for the Dads watching!  

"Until my daughter was born I had no idea that a love so intense could ever exist, an all-consuming overwhelming mix of fear of the unknown, a sense of such intense pride that it sometimes makes my heart feel like it’s going to explode. I still remember the exact moment my life changed forever for the better, it’s almost as though my life before was of no real consequence or significance just all in preparation" 

For Michael Ray, becoming a Dad at the tender age of 49 was a shock in itself, and two years after that– an even bigger shock – that he found himself as the sole parent to his beautiful baby girl – Charlie.

Michael speaks about his insights from his personal journey raising his daughter and the profound impact being a solo dad has had on his outlook.

He addresses the gender and societal roles that are no longer applicable and the negative impact on organisational, business, and personal outcomes. Michael speaks straight from the heart and his ability to connect, resonate and inspire people is obvious.

He has had numerous TV and radio appearances and has been featured in a number of both local and international publications and podcasts. 

How do men experience gender bias? How can we support women by giving Dads a fairer go? This episode is a fantastic interview with gender equality advocate Michael Ray. Michael is a solo Dad, writer, public speaker, blogger, Master of Ceremonies and advocate for equality and change. Michael found himself an unexpected solo Dad when his daughter was just a baby. We hear his perspective on the bias he faces every day and how he thinks that getting it right for Dads is a win for all.

With an exceptionally big heart, Michael’s attitude and approach to fatherhood is remarkable. Through his stories, Michael sets the bar not just for fatherhood but for parenting for anyone. Michael speaks about his personal journey raising his daughter and the profound impact being a solo dad has had on his outlook. Michael addresses the outdated gender and societal roles that are no longer applicable and the negative impact on organisational, business and personal outcomes. Michael speaks straight from the heart and his ability to connect and resonate with people is obvious. 

Look out for Michael’s new book “Who knew” coming out in April 2021.Have you opened a new location, redesigned your shop, or added a new product or service? Don't keep it to yourself, let folks know.

What is the Fatherhood Forfeit? My guest this week Michael Ray was a first-time dad at 49 and now shares his experiences globally on why we need to change the way the world of work has put pressure on men to forfeit fatherhood (he also mentions how this impacts on 'mothers guilt'). 

His willingness to be vulnerable and share lived experience about being teased for his tears at Charlie's ballet school, leaving work loudly and proudly, setting boundaries at work, and capturing the 'moments between moments' is inspirational and has lessons for all humans to learn from.

I am so happy to be asked to appear on Australia's newest online broadcast news service, The Informer with Australian TV legend George Donikian (my mum was wrapped!)

Managing to get a completely unashamed and brazen plug in for my upcoming book, released next year (through Jennifer Sharp DAISY LANE PUBLISHING)

While talking about some of the challenges and opportunities facing contemporary fathers and their direct impact on women empowerment and equality in general.

Also hopefully serving as an example not to cut your own hair during lock down!😳

Please support quality, independent, unbiased journalism and follow "TheInformer".

Diversity of voice matters in ALL things!
 

 Here we are, Father’s Day 2020, my 8th year as a dad and so much has changed over each of those years, not only for my daughter but also for me as a person and as a dad. Looking back, I remember thinking from the outside that fatherhood would be limiting, however, I’ve found fatherhood has given me the freedom to cast off the ego, facade and pretense and actually discover who I am as a person and as a man. 

More about Michael's journey will be published in his book "Who Knew? "

due for release in June 2021

 Michael speaks to Australian TV legend - George Donikian about all things dadding including Family Court perceptions and outcomes, the importance of reaching out for help, wonderful support networks that Mum's have and dads need to cultivate. We discuss the gift of clarity through crisis and some of the opportunities that may be present in these challenging COVID times. 

"As parents we can either manipulate our children's behaviours or we can inspire them by our examples, values and actions. '

Excerpt from 

'Who Knew' 

Michael Ray's book to be launched 

June 2021

Please support Australians newest online News Broadcast for quality,  independent and informed journalism. Please subscribe on 

 So happy to be asked to appear on Australia's newest online broadcast news service, The Informer with Australian TV legend George Donikian (my mum was wrapped!)

Managing to get a completely unashamed and brazen plug in for my upcoming book, released next year (through Jennifer Sharp DAISY LANE PUBLISHING)

While talking about some of the challenges and opportunities facing contemporary #fathers and their direct impact on #womenempowerment and #equality in general.

Also hopefully serving as an example not to cut your own hair during lockdown!😳

Please support quality, independent, unbiased journalism and follow The Informer. Diversity of voice matters in ALL things! 

 At 51, Michael Ray was thrust into solo dad life. A ‘wild ride’, he says, navigating the challenges, wonder and fun of parenting a young child. The experience opened his eyes to outdated gender expectations and led him to become a vocal advocate for equality and change. Michael’s passion is infectious, and his enlightened approach to parenting and advice to dads is true inspiration. 

 OVERCOMING THE RIPPLE EFFECT OF NORMATIVE GENDER STEREOTYPES TO ATTAIN GENDER  

 Michael Ray – a single father who overturned a policy that denied fathers the right to access their daughter’s dressing rooms at Parkwood Dance Academy 

 Do we really need a special day to profess our love with some grand gesture complete with jewelry, flowers, chocolates or even some specialty, purpose-designed, hardly practical but unusually interesting underwear? 

 SEE PAGE 29 FOR MICHAEL'S ARTICLE 

Love simply is ‘The Quality of Attention We Give to Others'

I was asked to write an article for the Back to School edition as an ‘expert’ in my field. I did have a cackle at this as I am the furthest thing from an ‘expert’, in any field (except maybe pie eating?), but what I will gladly do is share the experiences I’ve had with Charlie and how it has changed and shaped my version of the world as I see it today and how I want to guide Charlie to be a strong, resilient and self- assured human. 

   Dads - how do you talk to your daughters about their period?

In this third interview in the series, we catch up with Cath from Sex Ed Rescue and solo Dad, Michael Ray about Dads and talking to daughters about their periods. From single Dads to two Dad families. If you have daughters this is a must-listen interview for you..

   From $152 to $863: 11 parents share exactly how much they spend on their kids each week.

According to a 2018 study conducted by the Australian Institute of Family Studies, it costs Australian families (at least) $140 to $170 a week to raise a child. However, for most families, this will be a gross underestimation.

Michael Ray appears on Channel 9's Weekend Today Show for Fathers Day 2019. 

Covering the discussion on Brisbane's New NRL Team and Dad Time Benefits 

 My dad was a dad, his dad’s dad was a dad and his dad’s dad’s dad was also a dad.

I come from a long line of dad’s, however, with my looks, awkward personality and complete lack of any understanding of women, it wasn’t even certain the opportunity to be a dad would eventuate.

Talking about being a single dad, how fatherhood has changed Michael. He also discusses the importance of having a supportive network when being a single parent. 

Michael has made headlines in the media for years now, in the name of equality and equal rights for single parents, in particular single fathers   

It is up to us dads to model the respectful treatment of women (including not denigrating or disrespecting their mothers if you are separated) 

 Society’s wheels sometimes take an age to turn, but every so often we’re reminded that we’re heading in the right direction. One such example was last year when a Melbourne ballet school overturned an archaic ban to ensure dad – and sole carer – Michael Ray could be backstage with his four-year-old daughter, Charlie, prior to her November 20 concert 

 With an exceptionally big heart, his attitude and approach to fatherhood are remarkable. Through his stories, we look forward to seeing how Michael can inspire all of us to live from the heart and without reservation despite the challenges or obstacles life can throw us 

 Michael says sometimes other parents can be unconsciously biased against single dads, and even more so to single dads of little girls.

“Women are mostly supportive but some say patronising things, like 'how do you manage?' It’s just the same as any single parent,” he tells Kidspot.