Welcome to Kingston, Hawthorn
Published on 17 November 2025
The City of Kingston has officially welcomed the Hawthorn Football Club to its new home in Dingley Village, celebrating the opening of the world-class Kennedy Community Centre.
The new facility represents a strong partnership between Kingston Council and the Hawks, developed through a 30-year plus agreement that will deliver lasting benefits for both elite and community sport.
As part of the partnership, the project includes a new community oval and pavilion that will provide local players, families and clubs with access to an elite-level facility, which will be prioritised as a show case venue for women’s sport, including the Hawthorn AFLW team.
Mayor Cr Georgina Oxley said the Kennedy Community Centre represents the best of what can be achieved through collaboration.
“We’re so proud to welcome the Hawthorn Football Club — the family club — to the Kingston family,” Cr Oxley said.
“This partnership ensures our community can share in a space where elite athletes train and play. It’s about connection and opportunity — giving local players, especially women and girls, access to first-class facilities and pathways to take their game to the next level.
“Sport plays such an important role in our community. It keeps us active, builds friendships and brings people together. This project will inspire the next generation of footballers while strengthening our community for years to come.”
The Kennedy Community Centre will be home to the Hawthorn Football Club’s AFL, AFLW and community programs, transforming a former landfill site into a vibrant new sporting and community hub.
“We’re incredibly proud to have supported the community facilities and to see it come to life here in Kingston,” Cr Oxley said. “We look forward to seeing this partnership grow — and to the many ways the Hawks will contribute to our community both on and off the field.”
Hawthorn President Andy Gowers said this is an historic and proud day for our football club as we officially open our new home, the Kennedy Community Centre.
“The Kennedy Community Centre will transform our football club into the future, providing our players and staff with a world-class high-performance environment, best positioning Hawthorn in our never-ending pursuit of sustained premiership success.”