Hawthorn’s AFLW team are one step closer to securing a new home ground advantage, with construction now underway at Kennedy Community Centre in south-east Melbourne.
Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos today helped break ground on construction of the Centre in Dingley, made possible by a $30 million investment from the Allan and Albanese Governments.
Named in honour of Hawthorn icon John Kennedy, the Centre will be the new home base for the Hawks and will feature brand new elite facilities set to benefit the entire community.
With construction now underway, the project is expected to be completed in 2025.
Having played most of their home matches in Frankston with additional matches played in Box Hill and even Cairns – the centre will serve as the new home for the iconic AFLW team.
The new AFLW home ground oval will feature a dedicated match day pavilion with a 500-seat grandstand, team change rooms, umpire change rooms, media facilities, coaches’ boxes and a function space – securing a bright future for the athletes for generations to come.
The Centre will also include a state-of-the-art Harris Elite Training and Administration Facility for both Hawthorn’s women’s and men’s teams and will include an additional MCG-sized oval, a gymnasium, an indoor training facility and wet and dry recovery facilities.
We’ve invested more than $100 million to support all 10 Victorian AFLW clubs – delivering new and upgraded infrastructure for women and girls in sport.
Additional funding for the project has come from Hawthorn Football Club, Kingston City Council and the AFL.
As stated by Member for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos
“This is such an exciting step in helping deliver the Hawthorn Football Club elite facilities for the club’s AFLW team while creating a home base for many years to come.”
As stated by Member for Clarinda Meng Heang Tak
“This is a state-of-the-art project to benefit the entire south-east of Melbourne, helping promote sport in the region and get girls and boys active and healthy.”
As stated by Hawthorn Football Club President Andy Gowers
“This facility will not only safeguard our football club’s future, but also create a long-term home for the entire Hawthorn family and local community. We’re incredibly proud and grateful to be delivering what is one of the largest investments by an AFL club, working in partnership with the Victorian Government along with Federal and local counterparts.”
