The second annual Victorian Indigenous Tennis Carnival (VITC) brought together players, families and community for a deadly day of connection, culture and competition.
Tournament Director Tahlia Wheatley (Yorta Yorta) led the event, which featured participants ranging in age from 9 to 50.
This year also introduced a new Open category for Indigenous adults, following community feedback after the inaugural event. Alongside the tournament action, younger participants had the opportunity to get involved through a Come and Try session for children aged 5–12 and a Come and Play session for teenagers, supported by coach Nicole Bauer, from Bionic Tennis Coaching.
The event was further enriched by Tennis Victoria’s Inclusion Hub. On the day, the hub created a safe and welcoming space for connection and cultural sharing, offering participants the opportunity to engage in activities such as raffia weaving and working with possum skins.
These cultural activities were facilitated by Emma Bamblett, a proud Wemba Wemba, Gunditjmara, Ngadjonji and Taungurung artist and co-founder of Kinya Lerrk.
Tournament Results
Under 14 Singles
Winner: Zander Smith (Kamilaroi)
Runner-up: Nate Moloney (Ngadjuri)
Under 14 Doubles
Winners: Nate Moloney (Ngadjuri) and Dakora Graham (Yorta Yorta, Dja Dja Wurrung).
Runners-up: Logan Hallworth (Nukunu) and William Walker (Gunditjmara, Yorta Yorta)
Under 18 Singles
Winner: Zane Ryan (Ngarrindjeri)
Runner-up: Brock Mitchell (Wurundjeri)
Under 18 Doubles
Winners: Zane Ryan (Ngarrindjeri) and Asher Lehmann (Bundjalung).
Runners-up: Brock Mitchell (Wurundjeri) and Zander Smith (Kamilaroi)
Open Singles
Winner: Ben Day (Noongar Wadandi & Yamatji Nugaja)
Runner-up: Luke Moloney (Ngadjuri)
Future Stars Green Ball Mixed Doubles
Winners: Dakora Graham (Yorta Yorta, Dja Dja Wurrung) and Kalia Ikufu (Darumbal).
Runners-up: Munarra Graham (Yorta Yorta, Dja Dja Wurrung) and Hannah Mitchell (Wurundjeri)
Deadly Winner: Logan Hallworth (Nukunu)
The Deadly Award, recognises someone who shows “no shame”, demonstrates pride on and off the court and acts as a positive role model. Logan Hallworth (Nukunu) was recognised for his positive attitude, sportsmanship and support of fellow players regardless of results.
Adam Watson, Inclusion Manager at Tennis Victoria, said the event continues to grow in both impact and participation.
“We’re incredibly proud to see the Victorian Indigenous Tennis Carnival continue to grow, creating a space where young people and community can connect through tennis and culture. It was particularly exciting to see so many girls involved in the Future Stars events, which bodes well for the future of our sport.
We were thrilled to expand playing opportunities at this year’s carnival, including introducing the new Open category and we’re excited about continuing to grow the event further, hopefully even adding a parent-child category next year.
One of the best parts of the weekend was seeing participants build connections with each other and proudly share culture in a safe and welcoming environment. We were excited to have Emma Bamblett join us to facilitate cultural activities within the Inclusion Hub and help create those meaningful experiences for everyone involved.”
The VITC acts as part selection for the National Indigenous Tennis Carnival (NITC), which will be held in Darwin in August. Players are set to find out in the coming weeks if they have been successful in earning a place in ‘Team Vic’ for Darwin.
If you want to get involved in First Nations Pathway as a player, coach, volunteers or want to find out more please contact: [email protected].
Deadly Winner: Logan Hallworth (Nukunu)
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