Richmond Football Club congratulates Bachar Houli on today receiving the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM).

The King’s Birthday honour is given annually by the Australian Government to a distinguished few that have displayed outstanding service worthy of recognition.

Houli’s contribution, while starting on the football field where he was a triple premiership star and twice runner-up in the Norm Smith Medal, has transcended sport.

A role model for the Islamic community from the beginning to end of his storied 15-year AFL career, Houli became the founder of the Bachar Houli Foundation, a unique not-for-profit organisation that develops young leaders within the Muslim community.

Now in its 13th year and with a national reach of over 35,000 participants, the Foundation focuses on four strategic pillars of Engagement, Education, Employment and Talent.

Houli remains an active and leading part of the Foundation, helping to foster community harmony and provide development opportunities for young Muslim people.

Richmond CEO Brendon Gale congratulated Houli on the honour.

“We are immensely proud to have Bachar as part of the Richmond family and even prouder of the legacy he is building through the Bachar Houli Foundation," he said.

"His achievements serve as a powerful reminder of the role sport can play in bridging cultural divides and fostering a sense of belonging."