Tennis West are committed to embracing diversity by ensuring our sport and events are welcoming, safe and inclusive for everyone. We believe that being inclusive is reflecting the diversity of our local communities and that everyone should have the opportunity to be included and engaged through tennis in a way that is positive and meaningful for them.

Acknowledging the sport’s responsibility and obligation for action towards reconciliation, Tennis West is committed to the development of the sport’s Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).

Through this process, Tennis West aims to better understand the considerations of working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across metropolitan, regional and remote Western Australia.

The Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan will guide the development of the sport’s Indigenous Engagement Strategy, providing more accessibility and opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to participate and engage in tennis through programs, events, club and coach education and pathway opportunities.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY

Tennis West acknowledges the Wadjuk people of the Noongar nation; the home of our State Tennis Centre.

We are grateful to come together under the azure worl (sky) along the Derbal Yerrigan (Swan River) to work, learn and play.

Our tennis moort (family) honours the ongoing cultural and spiritual connection to the boodja (land) and beeliar (waterways) that all First Nations communities hold throughout WA.

Tennis West recognises that the relationship to country will always be significant.

To learn more about the Aboriginal History of the Town of Victoria Park please click here

To learn more about the Noongar Culture please click here

INDIGENOUS JUNIOR METRO SQUAD

We host a weekly after school squad for young Indigenous tennis players at the State Tennis Centre in terms 1 and 4. This is a free offering, to find out more or express interest, please contact Zara Cavalot, Tennis West Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Lead on [email protected]

NATIONAL INDIGENOUS TENNIS CARNIVAL (NITC)

The annual National Indigenous Tennis Carnival is held at the Darwin International Tennis Centre, The carnival celebrates youth, culture, music, food and sport through the delivery of tennis, cultural activities and workshops.

The carnival has two types of competitions available, participation and performance to allow participants of all abilities aged between 10-18 years to be involved.

Please check back for details relating to the 2022 NITC and lead in events.

STATE INDIGENOUS TENNIS CARNIVALS (SITC)

Tennis West hosts annual State Indigenous Tennis Carnivals. These events promote participation and competitively play for First Nations people in WA. All are welcome to our state events where we put on tournaments and come and try days. These are lead in events to the National Indigenous Tennis Carnival.

2023 SITC events:

• Boorloo Indigenous Tennis Carnival (April)
• Regional South Indigenous Tennis Carnival (May) in Narrogin
• Regional North Indigenous Tennis Carnival (June) in Halls Creek and Kununurra

To get involved or find out more, please contact Zara Cavalot, Tennis West Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Lead on [email protected]

INITIATIVES

Ash Barty announced as Indigenous tennis ambassador

In April 2018, top Australian tennis player Ashleigh Barty was named National Indigenous Tennis Ambassador in a move to attract more Indigenous youth to tennis.

“I’m a very proud Indigenous woman and I think that for me taking on this role is something very close to my heart. I’m very excited,” Barty said.

“If we can get more kids playing tennis more kids enjoying tennis across Australia within the Indigenous communities that would be amazing.”

Tennis for Schools

With participation options for all schools including regional and remote schools, the Tennis for Schools programs focus on the delivery of tennis in a modified environment which supports maximum participation and caters to the developmental readiness and individual needs of all students.

To find out more, visit https://www.tennis.com.au/schools

KIDSPORT

Funding is also possible through the Department of Sport and Recreation and the KidSport initiative for participants with a Health Care Card or Concession Card. For more information or to apply for this program click here.

MORE INFORMATION

For further information about Indigenous tennis programs and inclusion, please email [email protected] or Zara Cavalot, Tennis West Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Lead on [email protected]