THE BYRON Bay Uncle Project, a local group providing male mentors for boys without active fathers, has recognised Shaun Macgillivray as their Uncle of the Year.
Mr Macgillivray was recognised at last week’s regular fire side meeting at the Byron Youth Centre.
Project coordinator Chad Kolcze said Mr Mcgillivray had been a member of the Byron Bay Uncle Project for the past year and not missed a single activity.
“No-one is a super hero, it’s just a matter of showing up and being genuine,” he said.
“Single-parent families, almost always mothers, make up a quarter of all families in Byron Shire, nearly 10% higher than the state average of 15%.
“We strive to address some of these social problems before they impact on society.
“Each week a group of boys and men meet in a circle to share time together to talk about an issue and normalise what it is to be male.
“We emphasise the three aspects of what makes up being a man – the creative, the intellectual and the physical – and promote a model of responsible manhood among our local men and boys.”
The project reduces the isolation of mothers and boys and also raises the profile of single-parent issues in the community.
There are about 30 men assisting the Byron Bay Uncle Project, which runs regular activities for the boys, as well as fundraising and adventure activities.
To donate or get involved visit byron@uncle.org.au