Rebounding Richmond defender Bachar Houli has been awarded the inaugural David Mandie Community Award at tonight’s Jack Dyer Medal presentation.

Houli, the first practising Muslim to play in the AFL, has been outstanding in his work to connect the Muslim and non-Muslim communities through football, and has inspired many young people to work hard for their goals.

This year, Houli successfully advocated prayer rooms to be made available at all AFL grounds and has presented cultural awareness talks with Richmond staff and players, as well as a number of community groups. 

He conducted the inaugural Islamic Schools Cup in partnership with the AFL, with more than 100 participants, and this month will hold the inaugural Bachar Houli Academy for 20 Islamic youths.

Houli has also set up a website, where he communicates with fans and the community via blogs, videos, images and responses to supporter emails.

The David Mandie Community Award was created in honour of Richmond’s long-time No. 1 ticket-holder and philanthropist, David Mandie, who passed away last year.

Houli was selected as the recipient of the award by a specialist panel of Community and Football Development staff at the Club.

The criterion for the David Mandie Community Award was the following:
  • Contributions to both Club community partners and other community-based organisations.
  • Shows compassion and empathy towards disadvantaged and underprivileged people.
  • Demonstrates a willingness to learn about different community groups, including Indigenous and multicultural.
  • Shows integrity and leadership throughout the Club and community.