Presence Beats Presents
My heart is overflowing with gratitude. Our recent Men’s Summit at Stanwell Tops, NSW, in late August was an incredible weekend. Something special happens when men step out of their everyday lives for a few days, spend time together and encourage one another.
It’s a challenge to summarise the weekend just in words, so I’ve included some great images below from my friend David West (pictures help tell the story). If I had to describe it in several words, the Summit is a transformational weekend for men.
Dr Allan Meyer (pictured above), one of our keynote speakers, who’s joining us again in 2027, inspired us to be, and raise, valiant men.
Our Bands of Brothers (carefully selected small groups — some pictured above) journeyed through the weekend together. These are really the ‘engine rooms’ of the weekend, the secret sauce of the Summit, and we continue to hear encouraging stories from the men in these groups (read my Father’s powerful piece from last week here if you haven’t already).
In addition to the fantastic speakers, music, and excellent facilities at The Tops Conference Centre, the Summit is a space for men to talk openly and encourage one another. Thanks to our amazing Dads4Kids group facilitators, who are all volunteers, the Bands of Brothers create the environment for intentional discussion throughout the weekend. This naturally spills over into great times of men talking, laughing, and building each other up (pictured above).
Another key part of the Summit is the exhilarating activities on offer during the Saturday afternoon (pictured above). Whether it’s the breathtaking giant swing, some archery, or a beautiful bushwalk, time and space is created for men to be fully present.
A huge THANK YOU to all those who were part of the 2026 Men’s Summit! Special thanks to Dads4Kids board members, supporters, and all the volunteers who were part of making the weekend possible. Lives were indeed changed, and planning for the 2027 Men’s Summit is well underway. Save the dates for next year’s Summit (13–15 August 2027) — more details coming soon!
The Power of Presence
Speaking of being present, I’m super excited to share a new short film PRESENT that my team and I recently put together. Anthony Serratore, a dear friend of Dads4Kids, and his beautiful family generously opened their home to us — please watch, like and share the video.
Anthony and his wife Bianca share how one decision reshaped their marriage, their parenting, and the future they are building together. The film is an honest story about the quiet power of being present, parenting with purpose, and intentionally putting family first. As American civil rights activist and politician Jesse Jackson once said, “your children need your presence more than your presents”.
If you’re a father, about to become a father, or want to connect with other blokes, the Dads4Kids Courageous Online Fathering Course is designed to equip you with practical wisdom, encouragement, and the support of other men on the same journey.
Our next 9-week course on Zoom starts soon, 7:30 pm (AEDT) Monday 12 October 2026. Book here — registrations close 27 September! No matter what your situation as a dad, you’ll be encouraged to lead your family with confidence, love, and intention. As Anthony says in the short film:
“Courageous is one of those courses where, the more you put in, the more you’ll get. If you stick to the process of doing the homework and you buy in… it will change your life.”
Lovework
Commit yourself to the process of becoming the best father you can be. Watch, like and share Dads4Kids’ new PRESENT short film. Lock in for the upcoming Courageous Online Fathering Course — find all the details here (the beauty of it being hosted on Zoom is you can join in from anywhere in the world). Plan to join us at next year’s Men’s Summit. Whatever you do, remember presence beats presents, every time.
Yours for being present,
Nathaniel Marsh
P.S. If you’re encouraged by the work of Dads4Kids and can partner with us in building men, growing fathers, and changing generations, please consider supporting us on a monthly basis.
P.P.S. If you’d like to make lasting, meaningful changes in your life, don’t miss Dads4Kids’ upcoming Courageous Online Fathering Course. The excellent 9-week program starts Monday evening 12 October, but registrations close soon on 27 September. Register today!
Originally published at Dads4Kids.
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