Hawthorn Football Club has received a significant funding boost in the construction of the Kennedy Community Centre, following a $15 million injection from the Victorian government.

The landmark sporting development at Dingley will be home to the Hawks from next year, with construction underway on the club’s new elite training and administration facility.

The $103 million project will provide an equal training environment for both men’s and women’s programs that will be the envy of the competition.

The Victorian Government funding will go directly towards ensuring equality in facilities for boys and girls, men and women across the Kennedy Community Centre site. 

The KCC will feature two ovals – including one open with a pavilion and full game day amenities for AFLW home matches and community football – a large-scale indoor training facility and state-of-the-art aquatic and fitness centres.

Hawthorn President Andy Gowers said the Kennedy Community Centre will shape the club for years to come.

“The Kennedy Community Centre will be a destination for women’s football right across the eastern and south-eastern suburbs and this funding is a key part of that,” Gowers said.

“This funding is an important step in making our dream a reality to create a hub that has equal and inclusive facilities for both boys and girls, men and women from the community through to elite.”

Hawthorn CEO Justin Reeves said the speed at which this project had progressed is particularly exciting.

“Put simply, this project is a gamechanger for our football club,” Reeves said.

“This is a great result which means we have secured funding from all three levels of government. 

“The Harris Elite Training and Administration Facility will provide our players, coaches and staff with a first-class high-performance environment, giving them every opportunity to thrive.

“We are delighted to have secured this state government funding, which will ensure the project can be delivered in its entirety, directly benefiting the Dingley Village community and  the wider south-east of Melbourne.”