Bereaved Fathers Day: the facts.

What it is

A day for every Dad whose child has died, and for the people who love them.

When

The last Sunday in August: in Australia, the Sunday before Father’s Day. The next is Sunday 29 August 2027.

Where it came from

International Bereaved Father’s Day is widely reported to have been created in 2010 by Carly Marie Dudley, alongside International Bereaved Mother’s Day.

Who it’s for

Dads first, whatever the loss: a lifetime, a few years, a few months, a few hours, or never getting to hold them. And the family, friends and workplaces around them.

The website

bereavedfathersday.com: support for Dads, words for family and friends, a guide for workplaces, Letters to our children, and the numbers to call. Live since 3 October 2026; announced on International Men’s Day, 19 November 2026.

Who made it

Matt, in Melbourne, after his son Parker James was born on 14 August 2026 and died on 15 August. A personal project, made by hand.

What it isn’t

It doesn’t fundraise, and it isn’t a crisis or counselling service. It points Dads to Red Nose, Bears of Hope, Heartfelt, Love From Dad, SMS4dads and the helplines.

Letters to our children

Two boards on the site where Dads, and family and friends, write to a child who has died. No names, every letter is read before it goes up, and any letter can be shared as an image.

What anyone can do

Check in on a Dad whose child has died, and say their name. Mark the day at home, with mates, or at work.

The numbers

On an average day in Australia, 6 babies are stillborn and 2 die within 28 days of birth.Source: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, Australia’s mothers and babies: Stillbirths and neonatal deaths in Australia, 2021 (updated 30 June 2026).

If this story raises anything for you: Red Nose 1300 308 307, Lifeline 13 11 14, MensLine Australia 1300 78 99 78. In danger, call 000.