Brisbane dads talk family, Father’s Day

THESE five Brisbane dads are well known for a range of reasons but known best by their kids. In the lead-up to Father’s Day on September 2, we ask what the day means to them.

Share the best piece of advice your dad gave you in the comments below.

THESE five Brisbane dads are well known for a range of reasons but known best by their kids.

In the lead-up to Father’s Day on September 2, we ask what the day means to them.

Garry Youngberry — Channel 9 weather presenter

Father to Bella, 12, and Marcus, 15

Bella, Garry and Marcus Youngberry at home.

1. What does Father’s Day mean to you?

I’ve always looked forward to Father’s Day. From the Father’s Day present they would make at school, to breakfast or even just a coffee in bed. The extra attention is always cherished. Most importantly it’s about spending time with my kids and family. I love catching up with my father as well.

2. What’s your most memorable family holiday with your children?

The holiday that stands out most was snowboarding in Japan with a white Christmas. My kids still rave about leaving fresh tracks in Japan’s deep powder snow. We snowboarded every day for 10 days. They are still asking to go back, just what every father wants to hear.

Bella, Garry and Marcus Youngberry at home.

3. What do you enjoy doing together most?

I love taking my kids to their passion. My daughter loves horse riding, so we do pony club and eventing. My son races motocross, which has taken us throughout Europe last year. Basically, weekends are full on with kids’ sport. When we find a spare weekend, we love to go boating on Moreton Bay.

4. If you could give a younger you advice about being a dad, what would it be?

Spend as much time with your kids as possible. Every moment counts. While it’s important to do things as a family, try and have some one-on-one time as well. Kids just crave attention. A little goes a long way.

Petero Civoniceva: Rugby league legend

Father to Tallulah, 14, Ruby, 12, Kaden, 11, and Jacobi, 10

Petero Civoniceva with his children ahead of Father's Day.

1. What does Father’s Day mean to you?

Just being with the family … socks and jocks. It’s always a nice time and we always have breakfast together and catch up with the rest of the family. All our family live on the Peninsula, so it’s not too hard to get together here at Scarborough.

2. What do you enjoy doing together most?

Coming down here to Scarborough Beach. Bonny (my wife) and I are so lucky living close by...any excuse to get out, going for a walk or kicking the footy or eating fishing and chips.

If you could give a younger you advice about being a dad, what would it be?

Time ... just being able to spend time with your family. We lead such busy lives but time is the greatest gift you can give - time, quality time.

Bill Hauritz - Woodford Folk Festival executive director.

Father to Tom, 32 and Jack, 28

Bill Hauritz at home at Woodford. He is the founder of Woodfordia which runs the iconic Woodford Folk Festival. Photo: AAP/Ric Frearson

1. What’s your most memorable family holiday with your children?

We hired a houseboat and went fishing on the Tweed River. That was about 15 years ago. We were alone as a family. It was a lovely time.

2. What’s the best thing about being a grandfather to Elke?

It’s given me a good reason to stay alive for another 50 years. She’s a light in my eye.

3. What advice would you give a younger you advice about being a dad?

I would have spent more time with my children.

Bill Hauritz with granddaughter Elke.

Rob Comiskey — Comiskey Group director

Father to Cash, 7, Chloe and Cienna, 4

Rob Comiskey with his family.

1. What’s your most memorable family holiday with your children?

My kids love swimming so Bali or Hawaii would be some of our best holidays - morning and afternoon swimming with ice creams in between.

2. What do you enjoy doing together the most?

Movies with my little boy and swims with the girls.

3. What advice would you give a younger you about being a dad?

Relax and enjoy time together, engage in conversation. It is rewarding seeing them grow and personalities develop.

Peter Flannery — Moreton Bay Regional Councillor

Father to Joel, 33, Jae, 31, Mitchell, 21, Shaan, 18, Thomas, 26, Jessica, 24, Dominic, 20, James, 16, Sophia, 4

Cr Peter Flannery with his daughter Annemarie.

1. What does Father’s Day mean to you?

Having a nice breakfast at home with the family. Up until this year it has mostly been about us being able to say a special thank you to my Dad. With his recent passing, Father’s Day will continue to be an opportunity to reflect on the great role model he was.

2. What advice would you give a younger you about being a dad?

Appreciate the small moments in life as your children grow up and don’t stress as much about the little things.

Councillors Matt Constance and Peter Flannery.