West Australian lung specialist Dr Bruce Robinson is used to treating men at the end of their lives. He began to ask them: "What is your biggest regret".
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Eight out of 10 replied: "I never spent enough time with my kids".
The poignancy of that cry fired a resolve to find a way to help fathers connect with their children, and in 2014 'The Fathering Project' was born.
The concept is simple. A local primary school hosts an activity outside school hours that brings dads and kids together in a way that is fun and affirming.
Tamworth director Paul Briscoe says, "Many young dads want to be engaged with their kids, but don't feel they are very good at it.
"We can give some suggestions but, better than that, we can partner with schools to create a vehicle that will make it happen," says Paul.
"One tradie told me, 'when I come home each day, I've got the business on my brain'.
"I said, 'Try this. When you get home, immediately spend 20 minutes with your kids'.
"I saw him six weeks later. He said, 'you wouldn't believe the change! I walk in the door and my boy comes running to greet me."
"What kids will remember most," says Paul, "is that dad made it a priority to spend time with them."
Last week a group of school principals, parents, elders and welfare workers came to hear Paul Briscoe explain the workings of the Fathering Project.
There was a consensus in the room that this was definitely the need of the hour.
Research shows that a healthy father-child relationship is also a key factor in reducing drug abuse, crime, suicide and domestic violence.
Luke Norman, principal of Oxley Vale Public School told of the school's first Fathering Project in Term One.
"It seemed like a great idea. We don't see many dads, so our chaplain and I put together and after-school event. We called it 'Paper Planes and Pizza'
"It was a hit. There were close to 100 people. Dads were ringing wanting to know when the next one would be."
It's simple and profound. What father could not be moved when his little girl brings a note home from school that says: "Dear Dad, would you come and throw a paper plane with me after school on Thursday?"
