Champions of the West: Peter Berger opens up his home to help struggling fathers get back on their feet

HE holds down a full-time corporate job but in his spare time Peter Berger opens his home to help single and ­divorced men.

Peter Berger helps struggling fathers through the Dads in Distress organisation. Picture: Melvyn Knipe

HE holds down a full-time corporate job but in his spare time Peter Berger opens his home to help single and ­divorced men.

Some have attempted suicide, some are struggling to get access to see their children and others are simply battling the aftermath of divorce.

Mr Berger helps them get back on their feet through the Dads In Distress network. He claims about a 70 to 90 per cent success rate in helping dads become happy, productive members of society.

But he needs a permanent place to continue to help the men who are referred to him. If he wins in the Fair Go For The West community category, he plans to put the prize money towards a permanent HQ for Dads In Distress.

“Men don’t always put their hand up for help, the accepted attitude is they should tough it out,” Mr Berger said.

“Australia has the seventh highest adult male suicide rate in the world.

“But seeing broken lives made whole and seeing ­fathers who were once suicidal become productive members of society and families healed once again makes my work worthwhile.”

The software company worker from Windsor was the national secretary for the Prison Fellowship for many years and is also involved with the Fatherhood Foundation, which helps men ­become better fathers.

“What services there were for men, and dads in distress especially, have been ­removed or drastically cut over the years,” he said.

“Community focus is against violence towards women — correctly — but there is no help for men.”

Champions Of The West is a celebration of all that is great in Western Sydney.

It is an opportunity to recognise the west is full of talent, ingenuity, creativity and determination.

Champions Of The West comprises a grants competition for 12 awards, each boasting a $10,000 prize for individuals, groups and businesses.

An additional grant of $10,000 will be awarded to the ‘Champion of Champions’ winner, encouraging people to get behind their peers who are nominated finalists.

What kind of ideas are we looking for? Anything that will be of benefit to the community and requires a grant to help the project come to life, such as:

Community – facility upgrades, infrastructure, new works or equipment;

Environment – restoration and protection, volunteer program funding;

Indigenous – arts, up-skilling, scholarships;

Sport – equipment, uniforms, training, health improvements;

Small business – new products or services;

Education – primary, secondary, day care, special needs, TAFE;

Arts – skills development, new work, residencies;

Employment – training, job placement, social entrepreneurship;

Young Achiever – scholarships, workshops;

Health – aged care, clinical funding, training;

Tourism – attractions, historical/cultural sites, interpretive programs; and

Manufacturing/Innovation – training/development, new products or services.

Who can apply for a grant? Anyone that lives or works in Western Sydney as determined by the Council boundaries referenced in the Champions Of The West Guidelines. Applicants under the age of 18 must obtain prior permission of their legal parent or guardian.

Can I refer an organisation or business? You can make a referral on behalf of an organisation or business. Please complete the form below to the best of your knowledge and we will contact the nominated business or organisation if we require further information.

How long do I have to apply? Applications can be submitted between Sunday 13 April 2014 and Sunday 11 May 2014.

1.Download the Champions Of The West Guidelines and Terms And Conditions to ensure you are eligible to apply.

2.Download and review News Corp’s Privacy Policy prior to applying online

3.Submit your online application using the form below. Please read the questions on the form prior to starting to ensure you have the necessary documents to submit your application.

The program will culminate in an event where winners will be announced and grants awarded, on Tuesday 3 June 2014. If you or someone you know are doing something worthwhile for your community from Western Sydney, apply today.

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Do you want to get in touch? Email us here:

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