KINGSTON: Hawks welcomed
The City of Kingston has officially welcomed the Hawthorn Football Club to its new home in Dingley Village, celebrating the opening of the Kennedy Community Centre.
The new facility represents a partnership between Kingston Council and the Hawks, developed through a 30-year plus agreement.
The project includes a new community oval and pavilion that will provide local players, families and clubs with access to an elite-level facility, which will be prioritised as a show case venue for women’s sport, including the Hawthorn AFLW team.
Kingston Mayor Cr Georgina Oxley said the Kennedy Community Centre represents the best of what can be achieved through collaboration.
“We’re so proud to welcome the Hawthorn Football Club — the family club — to the Kingston family,” Cr Oxley said.
“Sport plays such an important role in our community. It keeps us active, builds friendships and brings people together. This project will inspire the next generation of footballers while strengthening our community for years to come.”
The Kennedy Community Centre will be home to the Hawthorn Football Club’s AFL, AFLW and community programs, transforming a former landfill site into a vibrant new sporting and community hub.
Hawthorn President Andy Gowers said this is an historic and proud day for the football club.
“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,” Mr Gowers said.