The Bachar Houli Foundation (BHF) and Aspire Sports Centre (ASC) are set to benefit from a $1 million election funding commitment announced by the Victorian Labor Government towards the revitalisation of Central Coburg and City Oval.
Announced by State Labor Member for Pascoe Vale, Anthony Cianflone, the commitment includes $500,000 towards the development of the ASC, $200,000 to support the Bachar Houli Foundation’s multicultural programs, and $300,000 towards new lighting at Coburg City Oval.
The announcement follows another significant milestone for the ASC, with its planning application officially approved by the Department of Transport and Planning.
BHF director Ali Fahour welcomed the announcement and the opportunities it would create for the wider community.
“We’re really excited that we’re going to build a state-of-the-art high-performance facility for the community, for the Bachar Houli programs to expand our college,” Fahour said.
“Today’s announcement enables us to grow that indoor sports space.”
The $200,000 commitment to the BHF will support the continuation of multicultural initiatives, including the Bachar Houli Cup, which brings together thousands of young people through organised sports every year.
UFC athlete Kaan Ofli praised the Foundation’s impact on young people.
“If I had the opportunity to be part of the Bachar Houli Foundation when I was a kid, I think it would’ve really helped me in my life,” Ofli said.
“I feel like it’s giving a platform to a lot of kids to be able to explore all sorts of avenues.”
Aynur Simsirel also highlighted the opportunities the new facility would create for young women.
“It’s literally going to be a space that we never had an opportunity [to access], that young women only dreamt about,” Simsirel said.
The funding commitments represent an important step towards expanding access to sport, education and community participation across Melbourne’s north.
