Matty ‘J’ Johnson has been named Australia’s Father of the Year, an accolade the television personality admitted would “take some getting used to”.
Johnson received the 2026 Australian Father of the Year award at Admiralty House in Sydney, where the ceremony was hosted by Australia’s Governor-General, Sam Mostyn.
The recognition was presented by The Fathering Project, a national charity which promotes the role of fathers and father figures in children’s lives.
Johnson, who is also the co-host of the Two Doting Dads podcast, has three daughters with his wife, Laura Byrne. The couple have spoken publicly about sharing responsibility for raising their family and the importance of fathers being emotionally present.
“More than anything I want to reframe what fatherhood and Australian masculinity looks like,” Johnson told The Australian Women’s Weekly after receiving the award.
He said modern fatherhood should move beyond the “one-dimensional old-school Dads” model, adding that strength could be shown through vulnerability and emotion.
Johnson has used his podcast platform to discuss the pressures of parenting, men’s mental health and the challenges of family life. The Fathering Project said his approach had helped encourage more open conversations about the role fathers play in their children’s development.
Reflecting on the honour, Johnson said his aim was not to present himself as a perfect parent, but to keep showing up for his children and remain willing to learn.
