THE HON CLARE O’NEIL MP
MINISTER FOR HOUSING AND HOMELESSNESS

THE HON ANIKA WELLS MP
MINISTER FOR AGED CARE MINISTER FOR SPORT

THE HON JULIAN HILL MP
ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR CITIZENSHIP AND MULTICULTURAL AFFAIRS

PETER KHALIL MP
FEDERAL MEMBER FOR WILLS 

Bachar Houli Foundation national ‘Aspire’ centre for sporting excellence

The Albanese Labor Government will partner with the Bachar Houli Foundation to construct a new state-of-the-art national sports and education centre of excellence located in Melbourne’s north-west suburbs.

A $15 million investment by the Albanese Government will deliver the Aspire Sports Centre as the new, permanent home for the Bachar Houli Foundation and the fast-growing Islamic College of Sport.
Nurturing the next generation of elite sports stars and role models for aspiring young boys and girls is a primary goal of investing in this new centre.

The Aspire Sports Centre will also be an inclusive and active place where both Muslim and non-Muslim Australians can connect through sport outside of school hours. The Centre will be available to community organisations and sports clubs, with a focus on promoting women and girls’ sports participation.

Recognising the Bachar Houli Foundation’s long track-record of building cultural awareness and intercultural connections, this investment has been fully budgeted by the government.

Annually, the Foundation’s programs reach over 6,000 participants nationally; primarily using sport to engage young Muslim Australians. This year the Foundation’s school will support 76 students in Year 11 and 12 through their VCE studies, and this investment is expected to support the school’s expansion across Years 7 to 10 in coming years.

QUOTES ATTRIBUTABLE TO MINISTER FOR HOUSING AND HOMELESSNESS, CLARE O’NEIL:
“Bachar is a rolled-gold legend and hero, and the work he’s doing absolutely deserves this
support.

“I’ve seen him work with these kids first hand, and it’s not just about sports. This is about
leadership, aspiration and helping young people find their purpose - it’s incredible.

“I’m a diehard Hawks fan, so I’m selfishly hoping that the Aspire Sports Centre helps nurture a couple of future Hawthorn superstars - as good as Bachar, but wearing better colours.”

QUOTES ATTRIBUTABLE TO MINISTER FOR SPORTS, ANIKA WELLS:

“Our government is committed to ensuring young people from all backgrounds are
supported to pursue their sporting ambitions.

“Sport is such an integral part of the Australian identity, embracing people from all
backgrounds through shared values of mutual respect and equality.
“This funding from the Albanese Government will ensure the Bachar Houli Foundation can continue its crucial work to empower young people through sport.”

QUOTES ATTRIBUTABLE TO ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR CITIZENSHIP AND MULTICULTURAL AFFAIRS, JULIAN HILL:

“Organisations like the Bachar Houli Foundation play a fundamental role in engaging, educating and fostering connections within communities.
“Investing in the Aspire Sports Centre will nurture top talent and a new generation of Australian sporting champions, positively engaging not just young Muslim Australians but the entire community through one of our great national strengths – sport.

“Sport is a powerful way for many young people to come together and connect with people beyond their immediate social circles, enhancing everyone’s sense of belonging.”

QUOTES ATTRIBUTABLE TO MEMBER FOR WILLS PETER KHALIL MP:

“Our Government is not only investing in the next generation of elite athletes, but fostering a community space where Australians of Muslim and non-Muslim backgrounds can connect, grow and pursue their sporting dreams.”

“The Centre will be an inclusive space where young people can come together through
sport, promoting mutual respect, equality and community connection.”

QUOTES ATTRIBUTABLE TO BACHAR HOULI FOUNDATION FOUNDER, BACHAR HOULI:

“We are incredibly proud to launch our plans for this $25 million facility, which will be the home of the Bachar Houli Foundation programs, as well as the fast-growing Islamic College of Sport.

“The Aspire Sports Centre will also serve as a beacon of opportunity for women in sport, while continuing the Foundation's mission to provide elite opportunities for people in our community.

“Beyond that, the ASC will be a welcoming, safe and supportive space. It will be an inclusive, thriving, active and culturally diverse place where Muslim and non-Muslim communities can connect through sport.”