The Collingwood Football Club, together with Monash University and the Federal Government, is pleased to announce the successful completion of the Victoria Sport Infrastructure Project.
Collingwood President Jeff Browne welcomed guests and community members – including the Prime Minister of Australia, the Honourable Anthony Albanese, the Federal Minister for Sport – the Honourable Anika Wells, Monash University Interim President and Vice-Chancellor Professor Susan Elliott AM and AFLW Captain Brianna Davey – to the AIA Vitality Centre to mark the important day.
Collingwood President Jeff Browne said:
“On behalf of the Collingwood Football Club, we express our gratitude to the Federal Government and Monash University for their support and partnership – the Victoria Sport Infrastructure Project has brought about a comprehensive upgrade of facilities at the AIA Vitality Centre which has been especially focussed on enhancing facilities for women athletes, marking a significant stride towards gender equity in sport,” Mr. Browne said.
The projected commenced in October of 2021 with works being managed through the pandemic, ushering in a new era of sporting excellence in the heart of the Melbourne & Olympic Parks Precinct.
“The Victoria Sport Project extends beyond the physical enhancements. The collaboration between Collingwood and Monash University will allow us to drive health and wellbeing initiatives such as world-leading research and clinical programs in sports injury prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation – each offering valuable insights to the sporting community,” Mr. Browne said.
The enhancements to the AIA Vitality Centre include:
- A state-of-the-art multidisciplinary hub for sports medicine treatment and research.
- A cutting-edge centre for injury rehabilitation and recovery.
- New modernised training and administration facilities for women's sports
- Education and training rooms and;
- A Visitor Centre featuring a museum showcasing the Club’s history and a First Nations Cultural Centre (Barrawarn Cultural Centre) which will host educational and cultural awareness programs to promote and support First Nations people and their communities, fostering an inclusive and respectful environment.
Four major research projects are already underway as part of the collaboration with Monash University:
1. Concussion research involving blood testing to improve concussion diagnosis and recovery.
2. Investigating the mechanism of hamstring strain injuries.
3. Developing pelvic floor muscle training programs tailored for female athletes.
4. Implementing cutting-edge Virtual Reality training for the initial management of a collapsed athlete.
AFLW Captain Brianna Davey emphasised the importance of the project's focus on elite sportswomen.
"As a female athlete, I'm thrilled to see these advancements that provide a nurturing environment for us to thrive – this project is a game-changer,” Davey said.
"The emphasis on research and education is not just about the present; it's an investment in the future of sports and women in sport."
The Prime Minister of Australia, the Honourable Anthony Albanese said:
The upgraded facilities at the AIA Vitality Centre are first class and sends a clear message to the AFLW, it’s an elite competition and the players deserve elite facilities.
This Centre also gives a home to some of the vital work that Monash University are doing in medical research and sports performance.
The new facilities will help athletes with their recovery and rehabilitation from injury but it’s also an investment into the community.
Federal Minister for Sport, the Honourable Anika Wells said:
“These new facilities align with our commitment to sport and building a healthier Australia, and will help improve participation and performance at all levels of sport, from grassroots to elite.
“With the knowledge and community partnerships created here, we can expect to see AFLW grow and thrive.”
