6 September 2022 | Tennis Victoria

Celebrating the cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, the National Indigenous Tennis Carnival (NITC) is a community event that featured cultural activities, music, workshops & two steams of tennis – one for participation and another for competition. 

230 players from around the country gathered in Darwin for the 3rd NITC in August. Tennis Victoria, in partnership with Anglicare Victoria and Buldau Yioohgen took a team of 11 youth that represented Victoria. As part of this partnership, Tennis Victoria was able to extend the experience beyond the NITC to include a cultural session with a local Larrakia Elder and a culturally immersive experience in the Litchfield National Park post the carnival enabling greater connections to Culture, connectivity amongst the group to each other and the Elders leading the experience. 

The cultural components at the Darwin International Tennis Centre included a Welcome by local traditional owner of Larrakia land, Aunty June. The participants also learnt string making, creating fire, laughing yoga and hip-hop dancing! On the final day, all the participating States and Territories came together for a Cultural Exchange program which was an opportunity for each team to share a cultural piece with other teams. 

On court, the Tennis Victoria Team shone with Victorian players Lewis Murray and Lola Grigor playing against each other in the Mixed 14 & Under Finals. Lewis Murray won the finals and with both players aged only 12 years old, we look forward to welcoming Lola and Lewis back to the team in the coming years! Liam Williams and Tahlia Wheatley represented Team Victoria in the 18 & Under competition stream, both earning points in their respective categories. The Future Stars team gave it their all on court, had fun, laughs and a great time with their teammates, but also participants from other States. 

After a few hot days and some amazing time on and off court, Tennis Victoria finished 2nd in the Ash Barty Cup! 

If you identify as an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander tennis player and would like to know more about upcoming events, please register your details here.