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n memory of AFL legend Danny Frawley, St Kilda, along with the Federal and Victorian Governments, have announced the construction of the Danny Frawley Centre for Health And Wellbeing at Moorabbin.
With Federal and State Government grants totalling nearly $16 million, with extra philanthropic support provided, the Danny Frawley Centre will combine a host of facilities, services, and programs aimed at supporting the physical and mental health of St Kilda people and the surrounding community.
Australian Federal treasurer, Josh Frydenberg, said the centre will engage the local community as a unique venue for sport, community, health, and mental health organisations.
“Before his passing, Danny and the club had been working towards this project to give the local community somewhere their physical and mental health could be front and centre,” Frydenberg said.
“The Morrison Government’s investment, along with support from the Victorian Government and philanthropic donations, is turning Danny’s vision into a reality,” he said.
St Kilda president, Andrew Bassat, said he was grateful for those who had made the Danny Frawley Centre possible.
“We are extremely humbled by the contribution of both the Federal and State Government, along with the support of very generous members of our Foundation for helping us bring the Danny Frawley Centre to life,” Bassat said.
“In establishing what role the club and Danny Frawley Centre could play in the community, we have been guided by some of Victoria’s most respected mental health experts and organisations.
“We will continue to partner with others to deliver vital education programs that serve to decrease the stigma attached to mental illness and promote proactive steps people can take to achieve positive mental health.
“Danny was not only a champion of St Kilda, but a leading voice in encouraging people to speak up about their struggles with mental health and to seek help.
“We are humbled to continue his work by creating a welcoming place where not only St Kilda people, but the broader community, can connect, grow and be well – physically and mentally,” he said.
Frawley’s wife, Anita, said: “Danny so often spoke about coming from a generation where manning up was to suffer in silence.”
“He knew that wasn’t the way forward.
“Manning up now is to put your hand up and say you need help, no matter your age, gender or background.
“To have a facility named in his honour that will help so many people do just that means the world to us.
“I would like to thank the incredible hard work of Matt Finnis, Andrew Bassat and the St Kilda Football Club for getting this project off the ground.
“And of course, we are so grateful to the Federal and Victorian Governments for understanding the importance of the centre for our club and our community,” she said.
Construction on the centre is set to begin prior to Christmas this year, with a project completion date scheduled for early 2022.
When completed, the Danny Frawley Centre will include a 25m lap pool, hydrotherapy pool and rehabilitation gym, along with a multi-purpose movement space capable of delivering wellbeing programs to schools and community groups of up to 250 participants.
