After two years of hard work, Tennis West officially launched its Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) outside Optus Stadium overlooking the Swan River.
Tennis West staff, board members, partners and key stakeholders attended the intimate event. The ceremony commenced with a Welcome to Country from Noongar Elder Phil Narkle and a Smoking Ceremony from Cyril Yarran.
Tennis West CEO and RAP Champion Olivia Birkett, Tennis West Diversity Equity & Inclusion Lead Zara Cavalot and Tennis West Vice-President and First Nations Working Group Chair Jo Quinn spoke about the two-year journey Tennis West had been on and the importance of embarking upon our own reconciliation journey.
The ceremony concluded with Noongar woman and artist Jade Narkle unveiling the RAP artwork created by herself. The painting shows the pathway for all cultures around WA to come together, to connect with Tennis West’s values (Excellence, Humility, Loyalty and Teamwork) and to play the great game of Tennis.
About the RAP
The Tennis West RAP aims to create opportunities for the Tennis West staff and the tennis community to learn about, accept and support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures.
Further Tennis West’s vision for Reconciliation is to use tennis, and the games contribution to the broader community, as a vehicle to respect, recognise and show pride in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.
The Tennis West RAP journey began in June 2022 with the creation of the First Nations Working Group reporting into the Tennis West Board. This group included First Nations people and those committed to supporting reconciliation, coming together to share their experience and add strategic value to Tennis West.
In November 2022, an internal business case was developed and submitted to the Board in December 2022. From there the Tennis West RAP Project Team was formed in February 2023 to serve the purpose of creating the RAP with inter-departmental representation.
The Tennis West RAP Journey continued over the next period with multiple stakeholders, players and Indigenous leaders part of the consultation process.
DOWNLOAD: Tennis West Reconciliation Action Plan
Tennis West CEO Olivia Birkett was exceptionally proud to present the RAP to the tennis community.
“As an organisation two years ago, we recognised the importance of embarking upon our own reconciliation journey and were proud to form a First Nations Working Group and a RAP working group to begin our journey,” said Olivia.
“Gaining key insights from the lived experiences of First Nations people, we were able to weave their feedback into the plan. We had to go through the process ourselves to fully understand how the RAP will enable all areas of Tennis West to strive towards reconciliation,
“We aimed to provide foundational education and embed sustainable processes to ensure that our reconciliation journey can grow over the years. I look forward to continuing the work and bringing it to life.”
“Throughout the next few years, we look forward to sharing our success and challenges as we continue to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture on and off the court.”
Tennis West is committed to embracing diversity by providing welcoming, inclusive and safe activities and events for everyone.
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