A partnership between Kingston and the Hawthorn Football Club is set to deliver a huge boost for local community sport into the future.
The 30-year funding and community access agreement governs the development and use of a new community oval and pavilion at the Hawks’ new Dingley Village headquarters on Tootal Road, to provide shared AFLW and community use.
Council will contribute $5 million towards the facility, which is required to provide at least 20 hours per week for community use, with Hawthorn responsible for the ongoing maintenance and upkeep.
Mayor Hadi Saab said the partnership with the football club would help meet the growing demand for sporting facilities in Melbourne’s south-east.
“Sport participation numbers are booming in our region, with women and girls’ footy leading this, and it’s essential the necessary infrastructure is put in place to not only meet the current demands but also serve the generations to come,” Cr Saab said.
“This project will cost-effectively transform a former landfill into a top-class facility and represents great value for money for our ratepayers. If we were to go it alone on a project of this type, we would be looking at 4-5 times as much upfront, plus the ongoing expenses.
“Our Council is passionate about supporting sport and particularly the participation of women and girls and we are looking forward to seeing the Kennedy Centre project come to fruition.”
Caruana Ward Councillor George Hua welcomed the joint commitment.
“It’s an exciting project that will be a great asset for local sport, provide pathways into elite women’s football and help boost the local economy through construction and ongoing jobs,” Cr Hua said.
“Community sport adds so much to Kingston by encouraging a healthy, active lifestyle and establishing strong community connections. It’s great to think that we could soon be seeing the next generation of young footy stars getting their start on a brand-new community oval here in Dingley Village.”
