PM officially opens Hawthorn FC's Kennedy Community Centre project in Dingley, Victoria

Hawthorn Football Club has entered the next exciting chapter of its rich and storied history after officially opening the Kennedy Community Centre. 

The Club’s new headquarters in Dingley, named in honour of Australian Football Hall of Fame and Hawthorn Legend John Kennedy Snr, will proudly serve as a home for the entire Hawthorn family for generations to come, including members, fans, past players, fans and the local community. 

The world-class, state-of-the-art complex is headlined by the Harris High Performance Centre, featuring an elite gymnasium with full aquatic facilities, including a magnesium pool and dry sauna, as well as equal amenities and locker rooms for both AFL and AFLW programs. 

Adjacent to the MCG-sized training oval is the dedicated AFLW Oval and Community Pavillion, boasting full broadcast facilities, changerooms and floodlights – which has been purpose-built to host future AFLW matches, in addition to being available to the local community. 

Following the turning of the first sod in February last year, on Monday morning, Hawthorn President Andy Gowers, CEO Ash Klein and Senior Coaches Sam Mitchell and Daniel Webster were joined by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Victoria Premier Jacinta Allan and Kingston City Council Mayor Georgina Oxley to open the new facility. 

With Stage 1 of the Kennedy Community Centre now complete, Hawthorn is now working with all levels of government on the future vision of Stage 2 – which will include an indoor community sports centre. 

SMC has been working with Hawthorn Football Club since 2020 to help see the project delivered.

SEE - HAWKS OPEN KENNEDY COMMUNITY CENTRE (HFC)

WATCH - PM OPENS HAWKS HOME (7 NEWS)

SMC Strategies - Key Roles

• Advisory

• Storytelling

• Advocacy

• Investment Strategy

• Community