The 10-year-old’s father Jarrad is serving in Afghanistan and while he is away a teddy bear, named Daddy Bear, is representing his real father.

Daddy Bear doesn’t do the dishes, pack the school lunches or drive the family car, but he does play an integral role in Zac’s emotional well-being as he copes with the separation from his father. 

He attends family events and even goes to school. 

“We think of him as Daddy Bear so whenever we take a photo with him we can say to dad, the bear is you,” Zac said. 

“Dad laughs every time we send a photo of us with Daddy Bear.”

Zac held Daddy Bear under his arm during the Morpeth Anzac Day march and kept the teddy with him as he read an oath in front of the crowd during the service. 

He wore his great-grandfather Arthur Ernest Seaton’s medals for the first time and is the second person to have worn them.

His great-grandfather served in World War II in Papua New Guinea.

Zac said Anzac Day was even more special this year because his father was participating in a dawn service in Afghanistan while the Morpeth service unfolded. 

“Dad sent a text message afterwards and said he was proud of me,” he said. 

The St Aloysius Catholic Primary School student was given the bear when his father was deployed. His younger brother Leo was also given one. 

“I take it most of the time with me," Zac said.

“I’ve had him six weeks.

“All of the children whose mum or dad was leaving got one. We got it because it’s the longest time Dad’s been over there.

“He is over there for a few more months.”

Zac said it was important children grew up knowing about the sacrifice servicemen and servicewoman had made in the past and were still making today. 

“Celebrating Anzac Day every year is very good because all of those people that died know that they are being remembered,” he said.

“Because we have that day they will never be forgotten.”

Zac’s mother Sara-Jane said her children coped better with the bear in their lives and were less anxious about their father’s absence. 

“Everyone treats him like it’s their dad, my niece comes over and says goodbye to him before she leaves,” she said. “It’s like the bear is my husband while he is gone. He’s become a part of the family.

“Having the bear in our lives means that their Dad is there for all of the important things.”