Hamish Blake has been named Australian Father of the Year 2023 as a "dedicated advocate for fellow dads". The famous dad to Sonny and Rudy is also a Gold Logie winner, TV personality, comedian and podcaster. The one half of comedy duo Hamish and Andy also hosts the How Other Dads Dad podcast, interviewing other dads about parenting. Mr Blake is known among followers for the elaborate birthday cakes he makes every year based on the specific requests of his children, and documenting the process on social media. The Australian Fathering Awards were held on August 31 in Sydney by non-profit The Fathering Project and the Australian Fathers Day Council in the lead-up to Father's Day on September 3. "Receiving this is obviously very humbling and probably a bit odd for my kids who ironically don't get to vote," Mr Blake said. "But to me, this isn't about winning anything, it's simply a chance to highlight the amazing opportunity we have as dads, mentors or father figures to help shape the future for our kids." He described parenting as "a constant, daily practice" and said nothing was more important to him. "For me being present, creating a space for fun and adventure and being totally accepting of who my kids are as people is what I strive to do, and how I hope they feel safe and loved," he said. "I get it wrong frequently, in ways I'm well aware of. I think it's healthy to be honest about how much we're still learning, whilst also knowing how important it is to try just as hard tomorrow." The Father of the Year recipient is selected by the Fathers Day Council and The Fathering Project. "Hamish delivers a powerful fatherhood message through sharing his personal journey," The Fathering Project chief executive Kati Gapaillard said. "He encourages dads to connect authentically, acknowledging that perfection isn't the goal but rather emphasises learning from one another to be the best possible support for our children - spending quality time each day with your child is what really matters," she said. IN OTHER NEWS: Meanwhile Gold Coast father Paul Wilton was named Sports Father of the Year as a dad of three biological children, a stepfather to six and for his "fathering" role as a football coach. Coffs Harbour dad, stepfather, community leader, sports coach and mentor Dodzi Kpodo was honoured as Community Father of the Year. A refugee from Ghana, Africa, Mr Kpodo has been recognised for supporting his blended family, his local refugee community and helping elderly community members in his spare time. Finally, Australia's Best Workplace for Fathers was awarded to Hollard Insurance. The Fathering Project runs education programs through schools and corporate engagement projects to support and empower dads.