The Danny Frawley Centre for Health and Wellbeing at Moorabbin Reserve will help to improve physical and mental health for athletes and the local community – a fitting tribute to a man who was as passionate about mental health as he was about football, Victoria’s sports minister said today.
Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events, Martin Pakula today joined federal, state and local government representatives at the home of St Kilda Football Club to officially open the centre, made possible thanks to a $7.3 million investment from the State Government.
“Danny Frawley’s courage on and off the field made him an inspirational Victorian. This centre is a fitting honour to a man who gave others the strength to talk about their mental health,” the Minister said.
“Our investment in Moorabbin Reserve is also levelling the playing field for women and girls in sport, providing facilities for players and fans alike to enjoy the game they love.”
The centre is located within the Moorabbin Reserve’s new AFLW grandstand and, when fully completed, will contain group program spaces for groups to gather, classrooms, consulting suites, a gymnasium with change room facilities, plus an adjoining hydrotherapy pool and 25 metre pool inside the grandstand.
The government’s funding includes $1 million for early intervention mental health programs at the centre.
The centre’s facilities will be available to the local community, and mental health programs will be tailored to athletes and sporting groups in the area.
The Labor Government has also provided $13 million to the club for the second stage of its redevelopment. This included the construction of AFLW changerooms and administration facilities which were opened in 2019, followed by the construction of the recently completed AFLW grandstand and pools.
Danny Frawley played 240 games for the Saints and was captain for 177. He went on to coach Richmond and established a successful career in radio and television.
He was one of the first players to openly discuss his mental health issues, and before his death in 2019 was an advocate for mental health and research, helping destigmatise the issue and supporting others to speak up.
The Federal Government also contributed $8.5 million towards the redevelopment.
