The nearly three-minute video features prominent men based in the city including Kapooka Commandant David Hay, realtor Adam Drummond and former NRL player David Barnhill sharing a special moment with their daughters. 

Blessed Bean owner Simone Dowding created the video, saying the idea came to her while she was talking to Wagga Women’s Health Centre (WWHC) committee members about police statistics. 

“We talked about the fact that Wagga has consistently had high rates of teenage pregnancy and the high rates of domestic violence and what we can do about that,” Ms Dowding said. 

“So I decided to create a video to show men the important role they play in their daughter’s lives – the role they play in the development of their self-esteem.” 

The video has already had more than 3000 views with the International Women’s Association, The Footy Show and Channel Ten’s The Project all showing interest it. 

Last night Ms Dowding won the People’s Choice Award and the open category in the council-run film festival, which will see her awarded $2500. 

Ms Dowding plans to donate all her winnings to the WWHC. 

“Community workers have told me domestic violence has risen more than 20 per cent in the past six months alone,” she said. 

“I think addressing domestic violence is something that galvanises support from both men and women.”