Recently, the Tennis West team travelled across the Pilbara, delivering tennis sessions and youth activities across schools, community hubs and remote Aboriginal communities.
From Monday 9 March to Friday 13 March, Tennis West’s Lisa and Sara worked alongside local partners to create fun, safe and inclusive opportunities for young people to get active and connect through tennis.
The week began in South Hedland with a youth engagement session at the JD Hardie Youth and Community Hub. Delivered in partnership with the Town of Port Hedland’s Coordinator of Sport and Recreation, Thomas Machin, the session provided local young people with the opportunity to participate in structured tennis and recreational activities in a welcoming and inclusive environment.
The following day the team travelled to the remote Aboriginal communities of Warralong and Strelley with representatives from the Town of Port Hedland including Thomas, Joe and Ngurra Kujungka Recreation Officer Stirling Flatt. Tennis sessions were delivered for local children in both communities, creating opportunities for fun, movement and connection through sport. Stirling’s presence was particularly meaningful as a Traditional Custodian of both communities, helping strengthen community connection and cultural engagement throughout the sessions.
Midweek, the team worked with students at Port Hedland Primary School and St Cecilia’s Primary School. Two tennis sessions were delivered at each school, reaching a wide range of students and encouraging participation, teamwork and active lifestyles. These sessions were delivered collaboratively with Thomas, Abby from the Town of Port Hedland and Stirling, highlighting the strength of local partnerships in delivering community sport opportunities.
The trip continued to Marble Bar, where two tennis sessions were delivered at Marble Bar Primary School. Students took part in fun, inclusive activities designed to build confidence, develop skills and introduce them to tennis in a positive and engaging way.
The week wrapped up in Newman at the SITC community event. Working alongside Sammi Ryder and her team from The Y, as well as West Coast Eagles Northwest Manager Brendon Daily, Tennis West delivered youth tennis sessions and coordinated a series of competitions throughout the evening. Running from 5:30pm to 8:00pm, the event created a vibrant and engaging environment for young people to connect with friends, enjoy tennis and take part in positive recreational activities.
While the week involved extensive travel across the Pilbara region, it also highlighted the power of collaboration with local partners to deliver meaningful opportunities for young people. By working closely with communities, schools and organisations across the region, the trip supported by Ngurra Kujungka helped bring tennis to young people who may not otherwise have the opportunity to experience the sport, reinforcing Tennis West’s commitment to supporting active and connected communities across Western Australia.
Tennis West extends its thanks to the Department of Creative Industries, Tourism and Sport for their ongoing support through the Inclusive Participation Program grant.
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