This week marks National Reconciliation Week, a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures and achievements, and to reflect on how we can all contribute to reconciliation. In recognition of the week, Tennis Victoria delivered a State Grade Reconciliation Super Round across both the men\u2019s and women\u2019s competitions.<\/p>\n
The Reconciliation Super Round highlights the important role sport can play in bringing people together, celebrating First Nations cultures, and advancing reconciliation through meaningful action, education and connection.<\/p>\n
Over the weekend, North Ringwood Tennis Club and Heatherdale Tennis Club embraced the initiative by hosting a range of Reconciliation Round activities at their venues.<\/p>\n
At North Ringwood Tennis Club, the day began with a powerful Welcome to Country, yidaki performance and Smoking Ceremony delivered by Wurundjeri man Colin Hunter Jr Jr.<\/p>\n
Similarly, at Heatherdale Tennis Club, participants were welcomed through a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony delivered by Wurundjeri man Daniel Ross.<\/p>\n
These ceremonies provided an opportunity for players, families, volunteers and spectators to reflect on the significance of reconciliation and acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the lands on which the events were held.<\/p>\n
Both venues also featured Inclusion Hubs, creating spaces for connection, conversation and education throughout the round. Attendees enjoyed food provided by Indigenous catering company PAWA Catering, alongside community barbeques hosted by the clubs, helping bring people together off the court.<\/p>\n
A highlight of the round was the introduction of new uniforms worn by both North Ringwood Tennis Club and Heatherdale Tennis Club, featuring First Nations artwork designed through Honouring Country<\/em>. The patterns celebrate Diverse People, Languages, Cultures and Country, recognising the many ecological environments people belong to, including saltwater, freshwater, desert, mountain, forest and bushland, rainforest, volcanic and plains regions.<\/p>\n The uniforms represent an ongoing commitment to recognition, respect and visibility for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures within tennis, with both clubs set to proudly wear the designs throughout the remainder of the 2026 Pennant season.<\/p>\n The round also provided an opportunity for clubs and participants to continue learning about reconciliation and to consider how sport can contribute to stronger relationships, greater understanding and more inclusive environments for everyone involved in tennis.<\/p>\n Tennis Victoria Inclusion Coordinator Kayla Ryan<\/strong>\u00a0said the round was about creating meaningful opportunities for connection and education through tennis.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cReconciliation Round is about more than just a single event\u00a0it\u2019s\u00a0about creating opportunities for people to come together, learn,\u00a0connect\u00a0and celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures in a genuine and respectful way. It was fantastic to see clubs, players and families embrace the round so enthusiastically and continue building culturally safe and welcoming environments within our tennis community.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n If your team or club would like to be an ally and host a Reconciliation Round, or find out how you can support reconciliation initiatives within tennis, please contact: inclusionvic@tennis.com.au<\/a>.<\/p>\n