26 August 2024 | Tennis Victoria

On 5 August, a team of First Nations players from across Victoria travelled to the Northern Territory to participate in the fifth National Indigenous Tennis Carnival (NITC). Thanks to our incredible partners at Anglicare Victoria’s Buldau Yiooghen Leadership Program, members of Team Vic were fortunate to experience an unforgettable on-country journey. This included a Cultural Workshop with Kim Mulholland before they arrived at the Darwin International Tennis Centre on Larrakia Country on 8 August for the first day of the carnival.

The Victorian team, consisting of 20 players, including six who qualified for the competitive Showdown stream, joined 184 young First Nations tennis players from across Australia to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures at the carnival.

In her third NITC appearance, from Frankston and representing the Boonwurrung Mob, 14-year-old Lola Grigor won the 14/u girl’s singles event. Reflecting on her favourite moments at the NITC, Lola said, “When Jessica Mauboy came—that was amazing! Ash Barty too, and the whole experience in general. I can’t pick just one favourite thing.”

Team Vic players also embraced the challenge of the newly introduced doubles in the Showdown stream, with Will Brooks-Gay, Lewis Murray, and Tahlia Wheatley emerging victorious in their events. The two Victorian Future Stars teams showcased outstanding teamwork, with significant improvement throughout the tournament. Close matches against the eventual winners, South Australia and the Northern Territory teams, were standout moments of the event. Ngatatji Bysouth was awarded the Deadly Award, presented to one participant from each state, for his encouragement and support of not only his teammates but also players from other states. His prize is a Summer of Tennis experience.

Off the court, Team Vic particularly enjoyed meeting Evonne Goolagong-Cawley, a performance by hip-hop artist J-MILLA, and a mural activity with artist Jason Lee during the cultural workshops. Surprise appearances by Ash Barty and Jessica Mauboy were carnival highlights, but the biggest surprise came during the closing ceremony when Team Vic was announced as the winners of the Ash Barty Cup.

“We’re beyond proud that Victoria took home the Ash Barty Cup as the overall winner of the tournament. But more importantly, we’re beaming with pride for every player who gave it their all, embraced the spirit of the event, and embodied Evonne’s motto ‘Have a Lovely Day’ every single day,” said Tennis Victoria Inclusion Lead and Team Victoria NITC Team Supervisor, Adam Watson.

 

Full NITC 2024 Results:

 

18/u Singles Championships

Girls: [3] Amali Zillmann (Qld) d [4] Giselle Kawane (Qld) 6-0 6-1

Boys: [1] Quincy Khan (NSW) d [2] Isaac Elson (NSW) 7-5 5-7 [10-4]

 

14/u Singles Championships

Girls: [1] Lola Grigor (Vic) d [2] Laylah Shawcross (Qld) 7-5 6-4

Boys: [2] Ryan Bolger (Qld) d [1] Preston Shawcross (Qld) 4-6 6-1 [10-5]

 

14/u Doubles Champions

Girls: Mahala Hutchings (NSW) and Ayva Quigg (NSW)

Boys: Oakley Baylis (NSW) and Will Brooks-Gay (Vic)

 

18/u Doubles Champions

Girls: Tahlia Wheatley (Vic) and Amali Zillmann (Qld)
Boys: Rhylee Jackson (Qld) and Lewis Murray (Vic)

 

Hot Shots Tennis Champions

Palmerston (NT)

 

Futures Stars Champions

South Australia

 

Deadly Award Winners

Jadah Dunn (ACT)

Oakley Baylis (NSW)

Declan Sambo (NT)

Billy Brickwood (Qld)

Kiarah Wilson (SA)

Chase Richardson (Tas)

Ngatatji Bysouth (Vic)

Ella Quinlan (WA)

 

Roger Cawley Supervisors Award

Aaron Mardi (Jilkminggan, NT)

 

Evonne Goolagong Cawley Medal of Excellence

Jadah Dunn (ACT)

 

Ash Barty Cup

Victoria