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.
Hawthorn members and fans will get the chance to immerse themselves in their new home when the Club hosts its annual Christmas Open Training on Saturday 6 December.
Hawthorn President Andy Gowers said:
“This is an historic and proud day for our football club as we officially open our new home, the Kennedy Community Centre.”
“The Kennedy Community Centre will transform our football club into the future, providing our players and staff with a world-class high-performance environment, best positioning Hawthorn in our never-ending pursuit of sustained premiership success.”
“On behalf of the Club, I’d like to acknowledge the hard work and very generous contributions from many people over they journey, including former Director Geoff Harris and his family – the support has played a significant role in bringing the Kennedy Community Centre to life, whilst continuing to highlight the loyalty and commitment of the Hawthorn family.”
Hawthorn CEO Ash Klein said:
“Hawthorn has long been a Club built on high performance and success, now being able to thrive in the elite surrounds of our new home at the Kennedy Community Centre, we are very confident we take that to the next level.”
“Every Hawthorn player and staff member will be given the opportunity to reach their potential at the Kennedy Community Centre – forging a genuine competitive advantage over the rest of the competition.”
“Additionally, our new home is as much for our members as it is for our players and staff, we can’t wait for the Hawthorn faithful to experience our new innovative museum, take a look around the revamped HawksNest Shop, and most importantly, come grab a coffee and watch training in our amazing new surrounds.”
“I’d like to thank those who have supported the Club in making the Kennedy Community Centre a reality, whilst working in partnership with federal, state and local governments, and the AFL, to directly benefit the local community.”
“We look forward to continuing these strong relationships with all levels of government as the Club embarks upon Stage 2 of the Kennedy Community Centre.”
