The latest stage of the Danny Frawley Centre has finished construction, ensuring the St Kilda Football Club can continue its important work in mental health and wellbeing for the local community at the Moorabbin Reserve.

Named in honour of club great Danny Frawley, the centre opened in 2022 to recognise the former captain’s work in promoting mental health and wellbeing in the sport and the community.

Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos toured the site with the Frawley family to see the completed facilities, which were made possible thanks to $7.3 million in funding from the Andrews Labor Government.

The final stage of the redevelopment delivered new mindfulness rooms, consulting suites and a community gym that will be used by the club and the local community and allow the centre to offer expanded services.

Around $1 million of the Labor Government’s investment went towards helping establish early intervention mental health programs at the centre.

After more than a year of operation, the centre has already become an important institution in the south-eastern suburbs for mental health and wellbeing, including launching a research project on athlete mental fitness.

The creation of the Danny Frawley Centre was part of the second stage of the Moorabbin Reserve redevelopment, which provided the Saints men’s and women’s teams with elite training facilities.

The redevelopment also included the construction of AFLW changerooms and administration facilities which were opened in 2019, followed by the construction of an AFLW grandstand and pools – which received $13 million from the Government.

An icon of the St Kilda Football Club, Danny Frawley played 240 games for the Saints between 1987 and 1995. He was captain for 177 games and was selected as a member of St Kilda’s Hall of Fame.

Outside of football he became a passionate advocate for mental health and research, becoming one of the first players to disclose his mental health struggles which helped destigmatise the issue and helped support others to speak up about their own battles.

The project also received $8.5 million from the Federal Government.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos

“Danny Frawley was an icon on the field and became even more influential off it, helping Victorians talk about mental illness and reducing its stigma.”

“The Danny Frawley Centre will welcome members of the local community and also support athletes who play for the club.”

Quote attributable to Minister for Mental Health Gabrielle Williams

“Danny Frawley was such a positive advocate for mental health – this centre is a fabulous reminder of everything he gave to the community.”

Quote attributable to St Kilda Football Club Chief Executive Officer Simon Lethlean

“We are immensely proud to open Stage 2 of the Danny Frawley Centre. Over the past year, we’ve seen the centre find its place in our community and we can’t wait to watch that continue to grow through the use of the additional facilities.”