Centre for Men and Families

A safe community for men to connect, grow, and transform — supporting men and families across Australia since 1998.

What is CFMF?

The Centre for Men and Families is a community where men come to connect, grow, and transform. Founded in 1998, we've spent over 25 years creating safe spaces for men to do the deeper work — the kind of work that changes lives, relationships, and families.

From immersive wilderness initiation experiences to ongoing Circle Groups, counselling, and community events, everything we do is built on a foundation of vulnerability, honesty, and genuine human connection. We don't do surface-level. We go deeper.

Our lineage traces back to the work of Franciscan friar Richard Rohr and the Centre for Action and Contemplation in the US. Through Illuman, the international custodian of this men's initiation work, CFMF has been delivering the Men's Rites of Passage in Australia since 2000 — the longest-running program of its kind in this country.

CFMF community group photo at an outdoor gathering

"We exist to help men become who they truly are — and in doing so, to strengthen the families and communities around them."

Since 1998

Founded in Australia

25+ Years

of MROP in Australia

ACNC

Registered Charity

We welcome all: believer, non-believer, atheist, agnostic, seeker, or bloke off the street. It doesn't matter where you've come from — what matters is your willingness to show up.

Common questions about CFMF

The people behind CFMF

Dan Foster

Dan Foster

CEO / Director

Daniel leads CFMF as CEO, bringing a background in education and youth and community services. He is passionate about creating spaces where men can do the deep work of growth and transformation.

Carolyn Rothwell

Carolyn Rothwell

Administrator

Carolyn brings over 15 years' experience across human services and not-for-profit organisations. She keeps CFMF running behind the scenes, drawing on her background in community services and event management.

Governance and leadership

Trevor Hines

Trevor Hines

Chairman

Trevor is an experienced business consultant with expertise across the mining, engineering, and retail sectors. He has served on the CFMF board since 2007, providing steady leadership through the organisation's growth.

Tim Trupp

Tim Trupp

Deputy Chairman

Tim brings over 30 years of business leadership experience, including 22 years as Managing Director of MOI (Australia). His practical, hands-on approach helps guide CFMF's strategic direction.

Rob Jones

Rob Jones

Founder

Rob is the founder of the Centre for Men and Families and a qualified counsellor and spiritual director. With over 35 years' experience across corporate and ministry settings, he laid the foundation for CFMF's mission of supporting men and their families.

Steve Freeman

Steve Freeman

Director

Steve is a qualified counsellor who also brings experience as a business owner. He has served on the board since 2016 and understands CFMF's work from both a clinical and practical perspective.

Raul Iute

Raul Iute

Director

Raul has volunteered with CFMF since 2021 and brings a background in law and public policy. He currently works with the Queensland Department of the Premier and Cabinet.

Bert Post

Bert Post

Director

Bert brings 30 years of business experience as owner and Managing Director of ITM Projects. His expertise in project management and business strategy supports CFMF's continued growth.

Adrian Howchin

Adrian Howchin

Treasurer / Secretary

Adrian has 15 years' experience in product management across the technology sector. He serves as Treasurer and Secretary, bringing structure and rigour to CFMF's operations.

Brian Langridge

Brian Langridge

Director

Brian is a Chartered Professional Engineer with 38 years' experience in civil construction. A long-time supporter of CFMF, he previously served on the board from 2008 to 2018 before returning.

Richard Fay

Richard Fay

Director / Former CEO

Richard served as CFMF's CEO from 2013 to 2020 and has been the Australian Weaver of the Men's Rites of Passage (MROP) for over 12 years. A psychotherapist and spiritual director, he remains deeply connected to the community he helped shape.

Max Dickman

Max Dickman

Elder

Max is one of the founding team members who helped bring the Men's Rites of Passage program to Australia. A retired social worker, he has served on the board for many years and now serves as an elder within the CFMF community.

Get in Touch

Whether you have a question, want to get involved, or just want to know more — we'd love to hear from you.

Contact Us