Sunrise presenter Mark Berretta is The Shepard Centre’s Australian Dad of the Year for his commitment to family and charity

Sunrise sports presenter Mark Beretta humbled by Father of Year selection

PerthNow

Mark Beretta admits to feeling out of his league after being named the 2019 Father of the Year.

With previous recipients including former prime minister John Howard, acclaimed artist Ken Done and scientist Karl Kruszelnicki, the Sunrise sports presenter said he was humbled by the honour.

“I feel very out of my league,” Beretta said.

“I’d like to think I’m just a normal dad.

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“But look, if it’s something that makes people think about the roles dads play, it’s a good thing.”

The annual Father of the Year title is handed out by The Shepherd Centre, a charity for hearing-impaired children.

Beretta, 53, and partner Rachel are parents to Ava, 15, and Dan, 12.

The award won’t mean any special dispensation on house duties for the TV presenter.

“I’ll be busier than ever,” he said.

“There will be extra things for me to do.”

Beretta said his toughest lesson as a father to date has been around boundaries with teenage children.

“There are so many things I’ve learnt. We’re at a tricky stage with Ava at the moment. Year 9 is quite notorious,” he explained.

“I am dealing with the parties on Friday and Saturday nights.

“And something I thought I’d be pretty cool with, but turns out I’m not, is the outfits that go out the door sometimes. So I look at Rach and she just says ‘Don’t say anything’ … You just suck it up and keep your bloody mouth shut.”

As for Beretta’s Father’s Day, he said: “I would love to do a big barbecue and have some friends over.

“My mum and dad are in Geelong so it’s unlikely I’ll see my dad, but I’ll give him a ring and have a good chat.”