The Morrison-McCormack Government is providing $15 million towards the Hawthorn Football Club’s new state-of-the-art Kennedy Community Centre (KCC), which is designed to improve facilities for the local community and women’s sport in Melbourne’s south east.
The KCC is named after John Kennedy Sr. who played for the Hawthorn Football Club and coached the team to premierships in 1961, 1971 and 1976.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the Government was proud to be supporting a project which was committed to benefiting the entire community, not just the elite players.
“I know how important it is to have an inclusive, accessible centre that caters for all levels of athletes, including teams in the AFL, AFLW and VFLW,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.
“This is why the Australian Government has unlocked the funding to help create a facility with a community pavilion and oval built to AFLW specifications, as well as flexible education and learning spaces.
“The KCC will be the home of women’s football in the south east, delivering an oval and pavilion which will not only be the headquarters for Hawthorn’s AFLW team but also be a space for local female football in the area.
“It is being developed with a focus on the key community pillars, which include ensuring greater opportunities for integration, inclusion and diversity.
“Like any Australian I love my sport, so I am proud this Government is providing a centre for girls and women to develop and grow from playing grassroots football all the way to the elite program of AFLW.”
Treasurer and Federal Member for Kooyong Josh Frydenberg said the development of the KCC would bring a range of benefits to the community.
“Not only will the KCC provide greater opportunities for children and adults to participate in local sport, it is delivering significant economic benefits to the local community,” the Treasurer said.
“The club expects the KCC project will contribute $28 million to the Victorian economy and create jobs during the peak of construction, which is crucial as we recover from the pandemic.
“The project is being delivered to embody collaboration, community, inclusiveness and giving back.
“It will provide sustainable benefits for the local community for years to come.”
Preliminary construction on the KCC in the south-eastern Melbourne suburb of Dingley Village is expected to start in 2021.
The Morrison Government’s contribution will be funded from the Community Development Grants Programme.