Whether this is dad’s first Father’s Day, or he has been celebrating for decades, it is definitely worth marking the occasion.

We’ve got some pretty extraordinary dads here in Australia – take a look through some of their stories below.

TASMANIA: Craig Spaulding is like many dads today, expecting a gift possibly in the form of some trout fishing gear. However, unlike so many, he has been a father figure to more than 200 children over the past 23 years - first on the North-West Coast and now in West Launceston.

GOULBURN: For many dads, Father’s Day is probably just another day. But for Antony Dubber, his first Father’s Day will be something special and from now on it will always be something special. 

TAMWORTH: With Father’s Day today, barbecues are cranking up. But why is it that every time the backyard barbie kicks up, the man of the house always grabs the tongs and apron? Is he giving the little lady a break away from the stove, or deep down, does he really think he’s the best cook?

WAGGA: If you thought juggling twins as a first-time parent wasn’t enough, try adding training for an ironman competition.

HASTINGS: Sunday will be a special Father’s Day for Andrew Kable. Andrew will enjoy the day with his three children without the wanted weight of a successful rugby club on his shoulders. He’s just pulled the pin on the coaching gig at Hastings Valley Vikings, and Andrew has gone out in style. 

ORANGE: Before last Friday, Harry and Jack Greenhalgh already knew their dad Jason was something pretty special. Now the rest of Australia does too.

NEWCASTLE: It can be hard to know what to get dad. For Joanne McCarthy, the time has come to confess her childhood sins for Father’s Day so that mysteries in her dad’s life from 40 and 50 years ago can finally be revealed.

MOUNT ISA: Looking at his son for the first time, Kieren Vonhoff was hooked. Mr Vonhoff, who will celebrate his first Father’s Day today, never realised he could love someone so much in such a short time. 

PORT MACQUARIE: Dad jokes are in a special league of their own. Some of the funny blokes at Port City Bowling Club shared some of their favourites as a special gift to our readers for Father's Day.

MAITLAND: The Mercury visited some of the kindergarten students at Maitland East Public School to talk to them about their fathers, and the results were humorous.