After launching the project just 14-months ago in honour of the late Danny ‘Spud’ Frawley, his family today joined with Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Martin Pakula, Senator for Victoria the Honourable Jane Hume, AIA CEO Damien Mu and a host of St Kilda, mental health, footballing and community figures to cut the ribbon on the state-of-the-art facility.

“Today is a poignant, but very proud day for my girls and I,” Anita Frawley, Danny’s wife, said.

“This centre means so much to us and to see Danny’s name and face around the building is incredibly moving.

“While today is very special, what I’m really looking forward to, and what I think would mean the most to Danny, is next week when the doors open to the public and those in our community needing some help or guidance when it comes to physical or mental health can walk in and use everything that’s on offer here.”

St Kilda CEO Matt Finnis echoed Anita’s sentiments, saying the centre is set to become a cornerstone of the community.

“The Danny Frawley Centre is unlike any other we are aware of – both in its physical form, and in its ambition. It combines state of the art physical and mental health facilities, programs and services in an ecosystem which harnesses the power of social connection,” Finnis said.

“All of the facilities and programs at the Danny Frawley Centre are provided to our players, coaches and staff (past and present) but also to our community – and that is what Spud as the great connector of people from all walks of life would have demanded of us.

“Danny was courageously vocal in urging people to look out for each other, to seek help and to prioritise their mental health. But the reality is that stigmatised narratives surrounding mental health continue to exist and must be shifted.“We hope the Danny Frawley Centre can help progress the conversation and focus towards mental health as a means of promoting a thriving community.

“We could not be more appreciative of the support and generosity we have received throughout this build, particularly from the State and Federal governments, whose financial backing made this all possible.

“AIA Australia has also been crucial in getting us to this point and we look forward to continuing our partnership as the Danny Frawley Centre grows.”

The centre boasts as 25m lap pool, hydrotherapy pool and wellbeing centre housing psychologists, researchers and program operators, while additions of a community gym, recovery centre and yoga studio will be finishing in the coming months.

“Danny Frawley’s courage on and off the field made him an inspirational Victorian,” Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Martin Pakula said.

“This centre is a fitting honour to a man who gave others the strength to talk about their mental health.”

“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.”

After today’s official launch, the centre will open to the public on Monday 7 March.

“This centre isn’t just a worthy tribute to Danny’s legacy, it’s a statement that visibility matters, and that when we look out for each other, we are all stronger,” Senator Honourable Jane Hume said.

“The Morrison Government is proud of our support for this project.”

The opening of the Danny Frawley Centre for Health and Wellbeing aligns with the release of AIA Australia’s new report: The Power of Social Connection.

Social connection is the experience of feeling close and a sense of belongingness with others. Unfortunately, COVID-19 related measures such as lockdowns and social distancing have significantly impacted the way that Australians interact with each other, with less social connection leading to feelings of loneliness and poor mental wellbeing.

The new paper highlights the importance of social connection to foster positive physical and mental wellbeing and thriving communities.

“At AIA Australia we’re passionate about making Australia the healthiest and best protected nation in the world,” CEO of AIA Australia Damien Mu said.

“We know that the last few years have been especially challenging for Australians and we believe it is important that there is an ongoing focus on early intervention and prevention-based activities so we can safeguard the physical and mental wellbeing of our society.

“We’re pleased that we’ve been able to build upon our strong partnership with St Kilda Football Club and bring the Danny Frawley Centre to life, it will be a pivotal location for the local community and will make a difference in the lives of many.”

The Danny Frawley Centre aquatic facilities and community wellbeing sessions will be available to the community from 7 March, with bookings and enrolments now available via the website.

Thanks to AIA Australia, community wellbeing programs will be free of charge to the public until 28 April, the anniversary of the day Danny played his first match on the hallowed turf at RSEA Park.

For more information on events and programs at the Danny Frawley Centre, visit dannyfrawleycentre.com.au