Here are some experiences to make Father’s Day memorable on September 7.

Father’s Day began as a commemoration of the men who had died in a US mining disaster in West Virginia in 1908 

First celebrated in Australia in 1936, it wasn’t until the 1970s that Father’s Day was firmly established nationally as an annual celebration on the first Sunday of September. 

Here are some experiences to make Father’s Day memorable on September 7.

Learn all there is to know about beer

There’s a lot of dads who enjoy a beer from time to time, says BentSpoke Brewing Co founder Richard Watkins, but most of them haven’t had the chance to learn how a beer is actually made. 

This year, BentSpoke Brewing Co is offering a brewery tour of the Mitchell facility and an Oktoberfest-inspired lunch and tasting session at its brew pub in Braddon.

“People can come and see the process, how it’s manufactured, right from the grains that are used to make the beer, through to getting the beer into a can or into a keg,” he says.

“And talk about the flavours in the beer and dissect the beer into its components, and hopefully the dads will learn a little bit more about beer.”

Richard says he has been brewing beer for 30 years, making him the longest-serving independent beer brewer still brewing in Australia.

“We just love beer,” says Richard. “We just love the fact that we’re making a product that puts smiles on people’s faces.

“Sometimes people find it hard to have a conversation, and so many good conversations, and meaningful conversations happen over a beer.

“And we’re a local company, [an] independent company, we create jobs in Canberra, we support the Canberra community.”

Bentspoke Brewing Co., 38 Mort Street, Braddon. Call 6257 5220 or visit bentspoke brewing.com.au

Lollies to share between generations

Lolly Swagman has been exploring new tastes for nearly three decades, says owner Ian Richardson.

Located in the heart of the Southern Highlands, the lolly shop stocks all-time favourite treats and the latest trending tastes from around the world, and offers the perfect excuse to go on a road trip with dad.

“We’ve got American Reese’s, Hershey’s and candy corn, English bon bons and chocolates, sours and super sours, Dutch liquorice, Scottish tablet and our own Mrs Swag’s Fudge,” says Ian.

“We lost count at 1300 different treats and we know it’s more than that.”

Ian says the store has something for everyone, and is a great place to bring dad to get completely spoiled on Father’s Day.

“We love being part of Father’s Day celebrations and seeing families come into the store,” he says. 

“It’s a happy place with kids excitedly exploring for new tastes, older people reminiscing and sharing in the thrill of finding a favourite and the great stories that go with them.

“We often see people who’d come as children now bringing in their own children and sharing their experiences, which is lovely to be allowed to join in on. It’s nice to have that history.”

Lolly Swagman, 11 Old Hume Highway, Berrima. Call 4877 1137, or visit lollyswagman.com.au

Two lunch sittings to celebrate Father’s Day 

Creating work opportunities for those living with disabilities, Embrace Disability Group founder and CEO Matt Morrissey says they created The Dugout in Jerrambomberra after identifying a gap in the hospitality industry. 

This year, Matt says they will host a barbecue feast at The Dugout on Father’s Day, 

“We’re bringing the heat with a smokey, flavour-packed celebration that’s all about good food, cold drinks and great company,” he says. 

The Dugout will host two lunch sittings from 11.30am-1.30pm and 2pm-4pm. Book for lunch at 6140 3258

“No one does the work that we do,” he says. 

With 18 students currently undertaking training and 68 who have been employed after working with the program, Matt says they firmly believe that an inclusive society is a stronger and more vibrant one. 

Specialising in training, cooking classes and work opportunities, Matt says they are not restricted by age or ability to join. 

“We empower individuals with disabilities by providing meaningful employment opportunities within our catering business,” he says. 

“We currently have nine canteens across Canberra.” 

The Dugout. 210 Environa Drive, Jerrabomberra NSW. Call 6140 3258, email hello@embracedisabilitygroup.com.au or visit embracedisabilitygroup.com.au 

Memorial service to remember fathers

This Father’s Day, Tobin Brothers Funerals Belconnen will be hosting a memorial service from 5.30pm to 7.30pm on Wednesday, September 3.

“The event will be a thoughtful evening of remembrance in honour of fathers and father figures who have passed,” says Cassandra Proctor, operations manager for Invocare ACT, the parent company of Tobin Brothers. 

“This service is more than just a remembrance, it’s a celebration of the indelible impact these men had on our lives.

“It’s a chance to acknowledge the pain of loss while finding solace in community and shared memories.”

An opportunity to honour and remember the fathers, grandfathers and special men whose “influence continues to shape our lives”, Cassandra says guests are welcome and encouraged to bring a photo of their loved one to be included in a memorial display. 

“The service will be led by Canberra celebrant Michael Bower, who will provide a safe space for reflection and remembrance,” she says. 

“Attendees will be invited to write the names of their cherished loved ones on memorial cards, which will be respectfully burned for their ashes to be scattered in our rose memorial garden.

“All are welcome to join us for this meaningful occasion to celebrate and commemorate the fathers who are no longer with us today, but still hold a special place in our hearts,” says Cassandra. 

Canapes and light refreshments will be provided.

Tobin Brothers Chapel. 101 Nettlefold Street, Belconnen. Call 6251 2344 or visit tobinscanberrafunerals.com.au. RSVP by August 27 to actoperations@invocare.com.au