Hawthorn will be welcoming over 500 children, adolescents, and their carers free-of-charge to the club’s Round 3 clash against North Melbourne at UTAS Stadium on Saturday.  

With the support of the Tasmanian Premier’s Fund for Children and Young People, Hawthorn has created this initiative – the Big Day Out – which has been designed to enable children and young people from regional Tasmania to experience what for many will be a transformational day of learning, excitement, relationship building and inspiration. 

For two of Hawthorn’s four matches in Launceston in 2023, the club will host a dedicated 'Inspiration Bay' for children and their carers from regional areas who would love to see a game but find costs associated with tickets and transport out of their reach. 

Hawthorn Head of Tasmanian Operations David Cox said the club recognised the positive impact it could have on the community, especially for those in remote or rural areas.

“We’ve reached out to these communities to offer them a Big Day Out which will hopefully have even bigger contributions to each one of these young Tasmanian’s personal growth,” Cox said.

 “With the support of the Premier’s Fund for Children and Young People, we’re seeking to address some concerns around connection, relationships, belonging and acceptance.

“Whilst these are not issues exclusive to regional areas, they are more acutely felt in rural and remote areas due to the barriers of access to support structures and the kinds of opportunities more commonly available in gateway cities.

“Major events are a prime example of experiences that provide a host of positive learning and behavioural opportunities that can be out of reach for many. 

“We can’t wait to kick off this great experience on the weekend.”