Work is underway on the $113 million Kennedy Community Centre Stage 1 Project, which is set to elevate the Hawthorn Football Club facilities to a nationally-significant sporting venue.
Once complete, the centre will include the 'Harris' Elite Training and Administration Facility, which will comprise of an MCG-sized oval with lighting, an indoor training field, aquatic facilities, unisex change rooms, function centre, public amenities and a carpark area with lighting.
An adjacent AFLW and Community oval and three-level pavilion will also be delivered, featuring full broadcast capabilities and grandstand seating.
Construction is expected to be completed by late 2025.
The Australian Government has committed $15 million to the project. The Allan Labor Government ($15 million), the Hawthorn Football Club ($73 million), the AFL ($5 million) and the Kingston City Council ($5 million) have provided the remaining $98 million towards the project.
Comments attributable to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese
"'Teamwork is the thing that talks' - and my Government is very pleased to be working with the State Government, Kingston City Council, the AFL and the Hawthorn Football Club to help bring this great project to life.
"This centre will be a focal point and a home for community sport, men and women, boys and girls, all ages and so many sporting codes.
"It will be a place in the best of the Australian tradition - where sport belongs to the people and sport brings people together."
Comments attributable to Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King
"The Australian Government is pleased to partner with the Hawthorn Football Club, the Victorian Government, the City of Kingston and the AFL to deliver this wonderful project.
"The project will deliver the best facility of its type in southeast Melbourne for the community, encouraging both passive and active participation in the sport."
Comments attributable to Federal Member for Isaacs Mark Dreyfus
"I'm delighted the Kennedy Community Centre is being supported to become a hub for Dingley, Isaacs and the broader community.
"Sport is an integral part of the Isaacs community spirit - it brings us together and promotes teamwork, inclusivity and resilience. The Centre will be a great asset for local sport and help boost our local economy."
Comments attributable to Victorian Minister 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 the brown and gold for many years to come."
Comments attributable to Mayor of City of Kingston Cr Jenna Davey-Burns
"Our Council is passionate about supporting sport, particularly the participation of women and girls, and we are thrilled to see the Kennedy Centre project come to fruition.
"Community sport is all about great physical and mental wellbeing, provides a real sense of belonging and helps build strong connections. It's great to think we could soon be seeing the next generation of Tilly Lucas-Rodds, Jazzy Flemmings, Chad Wingards and Jai Newcombes getting their start on a brand-new community oval here in Dingley Village."
