'Means the world': Incredible $16m development in Danny Frawley tragedy
The Federal and Victorian governments have announced a new $16 million mental health facility will be named after St Kilda champion Danny Frawley.
The beloved AFL legend died in a car crash in September last year, the day after his 56th birthday.
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Frawley had been suffering from mental health issues for a number of years, as well as the neurological disorder chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).
Federal Treasurer Josh Frydenberg announced on Thursday that the government would contribute $8.5 million towards the Danny Frawley Centre for Health and Wellbeing at St Kilda’s home base of Moorabbin Reserve.
The Victorian government has also committed $7.3 million in its November 24 budget.
“Before his passing, Danny and the club had been working towards this project to give the local community somewhere their physical and mental health could be front and centre,” Mr Frydenberg said in a statement.
“The Morrison government’s investment, along with support from the Victorian government and philanthropic donations, is turning Danny's vision into reality.”
Construction will begin on the centre in early 2021.
It will include classroom spaces, consultation suites and breakout areas in the Moorabbin Reserve’s grandstand and aquatic facility.
Frawley’s widow Anita welcomed the announcement.
“We're thrilled to see everything Danny stood for being brought to life,” she said.
“To have a facility named in his honour that will help so many people means the world to us.”
Anita Frawley speaks out about Danny’s struggle
Frawley played 240 games for St Kilda, 177 of them as captain.
He is survived by wife Anita and daughters Chelsea, Danielle and Keeley.
Anita stated at the time of Frawley's death that the AFL great had “deteriorated” in the weeks leading up to the tragedy.
She said her husband saw incredible improvement after years of counselling, prescribed medication and psychiatric treatment for depression but decided to cut all that out of his life after feeling “bullet-proof” and confident that he’d beaten the disease.
Anita said her husband began to spiral again after making the decision to remove himself from a support network of mental health professionals.
“The reason I am making this public is that I want this to be a reminder to all those grappling with mental health conditions and to those whom have made progress with their wellbeing that you should always seek help from professionals when considering making decisions surrounding your mental health, even when you feel as though you have fully recovered,” Anita said at the time.
Readers seeking support and information about suicide prevention can contact Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636, Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467.
with AAP