Back to Belmore today commemorates its 20th anniversary as a non-profit organisation, marking two decades of advocacy for the preservation and restoration of Belmore Sports Ground.

President Luke Cevolani, one of the seven founding members of the organisation's inaugural executive committee, reflected on the significance of the milestone.

“On this day 20 years ago, Back to Belmore made the transition from an informal grassroots movement into an incorporated association, formalising the structure of an organisation that had begun lobbying for Belmore Sports Ground in April 2005,” Mr Cevolani said.

“I have had the privilege of serving on the executive committee since our inception as an action group and as President for the past 12 years. It is a responsibility I have always taken seriously, because we understand that we are the custodians of something that belongs to the broader community.

“Twenty years is a significant milestone for any organisation, particularly a small independent organisation as ours. Our longevity has been built on consistency, commitment and an unwavering belief that Belmore Sports Ground is worth protecting and fighting for. We look forward to continuing our work over the next two decades and beyond, always acting in the best interests of Belmore Sports Ground and the surrounding precinct.”

Mr Cevolani said the construction of the Centre of Excellence represented another significant chapter in the evolution of Belmore Sports Ground, building on the vision first outlined in 2013 through the proposed Sydney Multicultural Arts and Sports Precinct, which ultimately served as a precursor to the project now under construction.

“Back to Belmore is looking forward to seeing the Centre of Excellence completed in early 2027. It represents a significant investment in the future of Belmore Sports Ground and has the potential to become a game changer for local sport, providing a high-performance environment in which young male and female athletes can develop, train and pursue their sporting ambitions,” Mr Cevolani said.

Vice President Steven Cataldi, who is also one of the organisation's founding committee members, reflected on the significance of the widespread recognition Back to Belmore Inc. has received in the lead-up to its 20th anniversary.

“Back to Belmore is extremely honoured to have received the Mayoral Award from the City of Canterbury Bankstown last month recognising 20 years of dedicated advocacy for the preservation and restoration of Belmore Sports Ground, together with acknowledgements from State and Federal MPs from both sides of the political spectrum, including The Hon Chris Minns MP, Premier of New South Wales, as well as representatives from the business community,” Mr Cataldi said.

“For us, the recognition is particularly meaningful because it demonstrates that the work of Back to Belmore has been acknowledged well beyond the perimeter of the historic facility itself. It reflects the fact that we have consistently represented the interests of the local community and carried its voice for more than two decades.

“Ultimately, what matters is that our advocacy has delivered tangible outcomes. Back to Belmore has remained a constant through an ever-changing landscape and has continued to work collaboratively and constructively with governments, sporting organisations, community groups and other stakeholders to help secure a viable future for Belmore Sports Ground.”

Patron Luke Brailey, who served as the organisation's inaugural President until his resignation in 2014, said the 20th anniversary of becoming a legal entity was an opportunity to reflect on Back to Belmore's enduring role as an advocate and custodian of the iconic venue.

“From the outset, Back to Belmore has always regarded itself as a caretaker, a custodian and a guardian of Belmore Sports Ground. We haven't simply been spectators sitting in the cheap seats or on the sidelines. We have been active participants in shaping the future of the facility,” Mr Brailey said.

“For over 20 years, we have steered the conversation around Belmore, consistently advocating for investment and renewal. The accolades we have received from LGA, State and Federal representatives and, increasingly, the business community are a wonderful endorsement and affirmation of the contribution made by our executive committee, volunteers and supporters.

“We are not going to be relegated to a footnote in the history of Belmore Sports Ground. We are not a footnote. Our legacy is secured through the real outcomes that have been achieved at the venue.”

Mr Brailey said Back to Belmore also remained committed to supporting the facility's two principal sporting occupants and ensuring Belmore continued to serve as a home for different sporting communities.

“The Bulldogs and Sydney Olympic FC both have the immense privilege of calling Belmore Sports Ground home, representing two different football codes and two important sporting traditions within the same historic venue,” Mr Brailey said.

“We want to see both clubs thrive and to support them in making the best possible use of Belmore Sports Ground in the years and decades ahead. The beauty of this amazing facility is that it can bring people together. The coexistence of two proud clubs representing two football codes at the same venue is something quite special and extraordinary in South Western Sydney, and we believe that diversity should be embraced. Ultimately, Belmore Sports Ground belongs to the community, and its future should be about bringing the community together.”

Back to Belmore's longstanding advocacy for the Centre of Excellence at Belmore was formally recorded through a letter of support from the organisation, which was included in the submission to the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure in December 2024 and formed part of the pathway to the project receiving final approval from the State Government in April 2025.