Buldau Yioohgen ‘Big Dreams’ Leadership Academy take part in National Indigenous Tennis Carnival

During August, 12 young people journeyed with BY to Darwin for the National Indigenous Tennis Carnival (NITC). Now in its third year, the carnival provides a way for First Nations players to connect in a culturally safe environment. With 230 young people serving, volleying and slicing their way around the court, the NITC is the largest gathering of Indigenous tennis players in the country.

Young participants posing for a photo in the Darwin International Tennis Centre.

For three days the carnival was filled with activities such as an opening concert with Indigenous music duo Electric Fields, a movie night and tours around the city of Darwin hosted by Tennis Australia. Aunty Kellie believes that the event brings people together, and she was pleased to hear feedback from the other states about how respectful and welcoming Team Victoria was across the event. Everyone gave it a good go and had fun with every hit of the ball.

Evonne Goolagong with two participants.

“We came second out of all the states and two of our kids were in the grand final and had to play each other. They loved it, and were all out playing, even though the temperature was sometimes up to 34 degrees” – Aunty Kellie

To round off the trip, the BY mob were Welcomed by Larrakia man, Kim Mulholland for a cultural workshop at the Litchfield National Park. It was part of an unforgettable trip to the waterholes and termite mounds, fostering a deeper connection with their Indigenous heritage and culture.

“We did the Smoking Ceremony down on the beach and then Kim took us out to the ocean for a Sea Cleansing. The Cleansing is when you get your sweat and put it in the water, letting the ancestors know that you’re here on Country” – Aunty Kellie

Smoking ceremony with Larrakia man, Kim Mulholland.

One of the highlights for BY’s new Cultural Engagement Officer, Uncle Les, was seeing the huge magnetic termite mounds in the park, and the young people respecting the Elders and listening closely as they shared culture with them. After many hot days in the Northern Territory, the cool waterholes of Wangi Falls and neighbouring rock pools were a refreshing delight after so much hard work.

Congratulations to all the young people who participated in the National Indigenous Tennis Carnival up in Darwin. It was a profound cultural experience connecting with country and culture up in the NT and an epic show of teamwork and respect which did us all proud.

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