In a partnership between the University of South Australia’s Centre for Muslim and non-Muslim Understanding and the Australia Day Council, the award was established to highlight the efforts of people around the nation who are contributing to social harmony and community cohesion.
As the first devout Muslim to play AFL, Houli has become a leading influence for many young Australian Muslims.
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AFL National Community Engagement Manager Jason Mifsud said Bachar Houli is committed to strengthening cultural awareness and has shown he is a great community leader.
“This award is a credit to the ground-breaking work Bachar is doing to enhance understanding of his religion and increase social inclusion within communities around Australia.
“As an Australia Post AFL Multicultural ambassador, Bachar works closely with Islamic communities to develop young football talent, while pioneering ways of bridging any divide between Muslim and non-Muslim communities.
“Bachar was instrumental in the recent announcement of fulltime prayer rooms at MCG and Etihad stadium,” said Mr Mifsud.
Houli recently launched the Bachar Houli Cup, an inter-Islamic schools football competition involving Islamic schools across Victoria.
He established the Bachar Houli Academy, not only to develop young footballers’ skills and give a rare insight into an AFL club’s inner sanctum, but to help create greater religious and cultural understanding.
Born in Australia to Lebanese parents, Houli said he is honoured to accept the award, which recognises his work with multicultural communities.
“I believe I have a responsibility towards fellow Muslims and fellow Australians to bring people closer to each other,” said Houli.
Houli will be presented with the award for Muslim and non-Muslim Understanding at a ceremony at the University of South Australia’s City West campus tonight.
Visit Bachar Houli’s website - www.bacharhouli.com.au
