Federal and Victorian Governments back Danny Frawley Centre for health and wellbeing

The Federal and Victorian Governments have confirmed their backing for the new Danny Frawley Centre for Health and Wellbeing in the Melbourne suburb of Moorabbin.

Being built at the headquarters of the St Kilda Football Club, for whom Frawley played 240 games, the 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.

With Federal and Victorian Government grants totalling nearly $16 million, with extra philanthropic support provided, construction on the Centre is set to begin prior to Christmas this year, with a project completion date scheduled for early 2022.

Acknowledging the AFL legend, Federal Treasurer, Josh Frydenberg, said that the facility will engage the local community as a unique venue for sport, community, health, and mental health organisations.

Speaking last week, Treasurer Frydenberg stated ‘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

“The (Federal) Government’s investment, along with support from the Victorian Government and philanthropic donations, is turning Danny’s vision into a reality.”

St Kilda President, Andrew Bassat, said he was grateful for those who had made the Danny Frawley Centre possible. Commenting “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.

“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.”

When completed, the Danny Frawley Centre will include a 25 metre 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.

Image shows the concetp for the Danny Frawley Centre for Health and Wellbeing in the Melbourne suburb of Moorabbin.