AIA Australia has deepened its commitment to St Kilda Football Club and Melbourne’s south, coming on board as principal supporting partner of Spud’s Game: Time 2 Talk.

The club’s official life, health and wellbeing partner will additionally help power the Danny Frawley Centre for Health & Wellbeing, while also providing a significant financial contribution ahead of Saturday’s match against Melbourne.

Spud’s Game will not only pay tribute to the late Danny Frawley but will help raise crucial funds to support research-based mental health programs at the Danny Frawley Centre for Health and Wellbeing.

Powered by AIA Australia, the world-class centre at RSEA Park will host dedicated mental health facilities, shared work areas for program development and research, an education room to host prevention and training programs, as well as casual meeting spaces for the community.

St Kilda Executive Chief Executive Office Matt Finnis said the extension of the partnership was incredibly special ahead of a significant week for the club.

“It’s amazing to have AIA Australia further show its commitment towards the health and wellness of Australians, particularly for those in Melbourne’s south,” Finnis said.

“AIA Australia has a proven commitment to the health and wellness of Australians for over 47 years, and their generous support of Spud’s Game: Time 2 Talk and the Danny Frawley Centre for Health & Wellbeing speaks volumes towards this.

- Matt Finnis

“We’re looking forward continuing our work with AIA Australia and are optimistic that through this initiative and the work done through the Danny Frawley Centre, we can make a lasting difference to the health of our community."

CEO and Managing Director of AIA Australia and New Zealand Damien Mu echoed Finnis’ sentiments.

“We are honoured to join forces with St Kilda Football Club to cement Danny Frawley’s legacy and make a difference in people’s lives,” said Mr Mu. 

“AIA is led by its purpose to make a difference in people’s lives and champion Australia to be one of the healthiest nations in the world. We are proud to be involved with the Danny Frawley Centre for Health & Wellbeing, which will provide crucial mental health facilities, research and development, as well as education for the wider community. 

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“This weekend’s Spud’s Game: Time 2 Talk will play a pivotal role in raising awareness about mental health within the community. At AIA Australia we are committed to normalising these conversations so that people can feel that they can speak up about their mental health and get help, before it is too late”.  

The Danny Frawley Centre, Powered by AIA, is based out of the club’s headquarters at RSEA Park, Moorabbin and is set for completion in Early 2022. 

Spud’s Game: Time 2 Talk will be held at Marvel Stadium on Saturday 27 March against Melbourne Football Club for St Kilda’s first home game of the 2021 AFL Premiership Season.