The Bachar Houli Foundation (BHF) has welcomed a $600,000 funding commitment from a re-elected Carroll Labor Government, bringing recent election funding commitments for the Foundation and Aspire Sports Centre (ASC) to a combined $1.3 million.
Announced by Premier Ben Carroll alongside Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence and BHF Director Ali Fahour, the commitment will particularly focus on increasing sporting participation among women and girls from multicultural backgrounds.
The announcement follows a previous $1 million election commitment towards the revitalisation of Central Coburg and City Oval, which included $500,000 for the ASC, $200,000 for BHF multicultural programs and $300,000 for new lighting at Coburg City Oval.
Together, the announcements represent $1.3 million in proposed funding directly supporting the BHF and ASC.
“I want to help girls get more involved in local sport and see sporting heroes just like them,” Premier Carroll said.
“Every year, hundreds of young boys and girls from multicultural faiths get that opportunity to succeed on the sports field and to reach their dreams.”
“The foundational support that the Bachar Houli Foundation provides in terms of community strengthening, sport, culture, coming together, and showing diversity is one of the greatest strengths on the sports field and in the classroom,” he said.
Foundation Director Ali Fahour welcomed the announcement, highlighting the impact the investment would have on the next generation.
“We’re not only strengthening their sport aspect but making great leaders, great people, great individuals as well,” Fahour said.
Bachar Houli also expressed his appreciation for the continued support.
“The Carroll Labor Government has been a strong supporter of our work for a long time, and this funding will allow even more young women and multicultural Victorians to get involved in sport,” Houli said.
The Foundation extends its gratitude to the Victorian Labor Government for its continued commitment to empowering young people through sport, education and community engagement.
