Hundreds of fans, volunteers, families, politicians and local leaders gathered at Jack Edwards Reserve on Sunday 5 October in Melbourne’s Oakleigh to celebrate the official opening of the Oakleigh Cannons’ brand-new central grandstand.
This $14.7 million project is a culmination of a dream that kicked off 25 years ago that navigated many hurdles.
“We’re building places that ignite ambitions—the young kids training and playing on this field, looking up at this grandstand, will think, ‘I could play for the Socceroos or the Matildas one day’. Everything we do, we do for the community and for the kids,” Minister for Sport Steve Dimopoulos said.
“The new central grandstand, with 500 covered seats, upgraded lighting and top-tier facilities, was delivered ahead of schedule… we had to grind hard and overcome massive obstacles to reach this stunning result.”
Minister for Cities Clare O’Neil spoke of a “seven-year journey” recounting a meeting from years back that essentially lit the fuse for this project.
“We gathered with Steve Dimopoulos, Kostas Kavalakis and president Stan, hashing out something that seemed like a crazy dream back then—and the truth is, it would’ve stayed a dream if we all didn’t have a touch of madness in us,” she said.
Only with that madness and a whole lot of love for the community could this project come to life.”
O’Neil spoke on the club’s role in the community.
“The Cannons isn’t just a club. Looking around, I can see three generations of people utterly tied to the team. It’s not merely a sports organisation—it’s the backbone of our local community, one big family.”
Monash Mayor Paul Klisaris also spoke at the opening of the grandstand.
“I stand here with deep pride, immense gratitude and emotion choking me, for the official launch of this magnificent new central grandstand at Jack Edwards Reserve,” Klisaris said.
“When this dream started 25 years ago, everyone told us we were nuts—that there was no way a project of this scale could happen in this spot.
“Now, I see all those barriers turned into little stories of triumph. Our community deserved this home—a place that matches the passion, dedication and love our kids have for football and sport.”
Oakleigh Cannons president Stan Papayianneris had the following to say.
“It’s not a dream anymore—it’s right here in front of us, it’s reality,” he said.
“Our club has two rock-solid constants, two vital supporters and friends: the Australian Labor Government and Monash Council. Without their backing and the tireless work of Kostas Kavalakis, this project would never have been completed.
“This isn’t just a grandstand, change rooms and canteen—it’s a place where our kids will forge friendships, train hard, live healthy lives and stay clear of the dangers lurking out there.”
The Cannons president closed his speech by nodding to the volunteers, sponsors and families for their contributions and support to turn the club into a sports hub for young people in Melbourne’s southeast suburbs.
Today, Oakleigh Cannons counts thousands of members, with programs for boys and girls of all ages.
The club’s first 50 years were just the opening chapter with the new grandstand ready for new chapters: goals, kids’ laughter, applause and roars of joy.
