The Allan Labor Government is ready to welcome the next generation of sports stars in Victoria with the construction of a new world-class sports and education centre.
Premier Jacinta Allan and Deputy Premier and Minister for Education Ben Carroll have announced funding of $6 million for the Aspire Sports Centre, which will convert the Coburg Moreland Bowls Club site into a permanent home for the Bachar Houli Foundation and the fast-growing Islamic College of Sport.
The Islamic College of Sport will offer a unique and focused program for Muslim students who are seeking a combination of a high-performance sports environments, a choice of education offering an inclusive and active place where both Muslim and non-Muslim Victorians can connect through sport.
The project will have a new main school campus including 12 new flexible use classrooms, a breakout area for students, staff administrative facilities, separate toilet facilities for staff and students, and dedicated access to sports facilities such as a high-performance gym, two indoor courts and brand new changerooms.
Outside of school hours, the facility will be used by local community and sporting clubs, with a focus on enabling Muslim women and girls' participation in sport by providing a culturally safe and welcoming space. This will include having dedicated times and spaces for all women's sport, recreation activities and programs.
The Bachar Houli Foundation has a long history of building connection through mentorship and sport in the Victorian community. The Foundation's school will support 76 students in Year 11 and 12 through their VCE studies and with this important investment will expand across Years 7 to 10 in the coming years.
The investment comes as part of the Labor Government's $30 million commitment to build and upgrade Islamic schools, as part of a fund to improve low-fee non-government schools.
The Labor Government has established a $450 million fund in partnership with the Non-Government School sector to upgrade and build new non-government schools across Victoria.
As stated by Premier Jacinta Allan
"The work of Bachar Houli and the Foundation goes beyond sport, it's about inspiring the next generation of community leaders."
As stated by Deputy Premier and Minister for Education Ben Carroll
"We are investing in the next generation of elite athletes and building a space where Victorians can learn and grow in a world class environment.
As stated by Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence
"This new centre will be a major boost for local sports clubs with a focus on providing Muslim women and girls with culturally safe facilities to get involved in the sports they love."
As stated by Minister for Multicultural Affairs Ingrid Stitt
"This new centre is about creating opportunities for young Victorians from all backgrounds - fostering inclusion, celebrating diversity and bringing communities together through the power of sport."
As stated by Member for Pascoe Vale Anthony Cianflone
"I am so thrilled to welcome the next generation of Muslim sporting stars once the Aspire Sports Centre opens its doors here in Coburg."
As stated by Bachar Houli Foundation founder Bachar Houli
"The Aspire Sports Centre will also stand as a beacon of opportunity for women in sport, while furthering the Foundation's mission to provide elite pathways for people in our community."
"It will be a welcoming, safe, and supportive space-one that's inclusive, thriving, and culturally diverse, offering a place for the community to connect through sport."
"We are incredibly grateful for this contribution and cannot wait to be up and running."
