Hawks Community Foundation's inclusion program, The Inclusion Project, is pleased to have officially opened its permanent sensory space at the Club’s new home, the Kennedy Community Centre. 

Thanks to Variety - the Children’s Charity Victoria, the space was co-designed with allied health professionals, occupational therapists and staff from The Inclusion Project with a lived experience of a disability, to produce a state-of-the-art sensory offering within Hawthorn’s new world-class home.

The Inclusion Project Sensory Space will be available at major Kennedy Community Centre events, staffed by trained occupational therapists, alongside staff with lived experience of disability, creating meaningful employment and a safe, accessible experience for all patrons. 

Variety CEO Peter Bruce and The Inclusion Project Ambassador Ned Brewer Maiga were on hand to officially open the world-class space. 

Variety CEO Peter Bruce said:

“Hawthorn is known as the family club, and having a space where our families feel safe and included is truly making the Kennedy Community Centre feel like home.

“As our partnership continues to grow, we are proud to reach even more families through our 2026 Inclusion Match and throughout the season.

“Together, we are breaking down barriers to ensure every child can experience the magic of the game in a place where they truly belong.”

The Inclusion Project Ambassador Ned Brewer Maiga said:

“Opening this permanent sensory space is about ensuring every fan feels the power of belonging at Hawthorn.

“It’s an honour to be part of a project that champions the diverse needs of the community and provides the right environment for everyone to enjoy the game.

“Our work continues with the 2026 Inclusion Match, and I can’t wait to welcome even more fans into the Hawks family in an environment that truly accepts and supports their match-day experience.”

Hawthorn will host its 2026 Inclusion Match in Round 6 against Port Adelaide at Marvel Stadium. 

Made possible by Variety, this match celebrates the shared commitment of Hawthorn and The Inclusion Project to diversity and belonging.

Together, these organisations are hosting families at the footy who might otherwise face barriers to attending the game.

To ensure your access to the game and support the work of The Inclusion Project and Variety, patrons are highly encouraged to snap up the Club’s Variety Inclusion Membership HERE. 

Even if you can’t make it to the 2026 Inclusion Match, fans can still support the cause from afar.

By purchasing a virtual seat, the brown and gold faithful can help fund vital grants for kids in need.

Additionally, The Inclusion Project’s industry-leading program will once again run across Hawthorn games in 2026. 

Follow The Inclusion Project on Instagram to find out where and when you can find sensory spaces throughout the year. 

About The Inclusion Project 

The Inclusion Project was established by the Hawks Community Foundation in 2019 to offer world-class sensory spaces at sporting events, including employing staff with lived experience of a disability and providing access to qualified occupational therapists, making sport accessible for all.

Following the success and positive experience of the community at Hawthorn home games, The Inclusion Project now hosts sensory spaces across multiple sporting codes, partnering with the Australian Open, Melbourne Storm, Melbourne Victory, Melbourne Stars, Melbourne Vixens and South East Melbourne Phoenix, while also supporting participants at non-sporting events such as the highly popular Disney On Ice, Monster Trucks and Variety’s Christmas Kids Party. 

Since The Inclusion Project’s inception seven years ago, the organisation has supported over 45,000 people living with a disability.

Last year alone, The Inclusion Project employed 39 people living with a disability as Inclusion Project Officers, supported 2,260 hours of meaningful employment and facilitated 156 match-days across a variety of community events. 

CLICK HERE to follow The Inclusion Project on Instagram or HERE to be added to The Inclusion Project mailing list, to keep up to date with all of the latest information.