Mount Stromlo High School student Jadah Dunn with tennis legend Evonne Goolagong Cawley at last year’s National Indigenous Tennis Carnival in Darwin. Photo: Supplied
Jadah Dunn’s fondest memory of last year’s National Indigenous Tennis Carnival was meeting tennis legends Ash Barty and Evonne Goolagong Cawley.
The 15-year-old Mount Stromlo High School student says receiving a hug and a compliment from three-time grand slam champion Barty was something she’ll never forget.
“Ash said she loved my speech [delivered as part of the event’s cultural exchange], which was super inspiring,” Jadah says.
“It was just beautiful to meet Ash and Evonne, and all these new people from other mobs.”
Jadah herself also proved an inspiration at the Darwin event, which brings together Indigenous kids from every state and territory across Australia to connect through tennis and a host of cultural activities and workshops.
In 2024, she was awarded the Evonne Goolagong Cawley Medal of Excellence for her outstanding leadership on and off the court. It was presented by the award’s namesake and co-founder of this unique and culturally vibrant tennis pathway.
During a presentation to other young players, Jadah explained the symbolism of an artwork she had painted at school and shared that she loved the way she was living her life.
“Knowing my country, my culture and what I am today … I’m living the best life in my whole world!” she said.
This year, Jadah will again be part of a team of six young people from the ACT that will attend the carnival, now in its seventh year, at the Darwin International Tennis Centre from 6 to 9 August.
Tennis ACT club development officer Harrison Frater said the national carnival brought together more than 150 young people to share four days of competition, connection and cultural celebration.
“It’s about so much more than tennis,” said Mr Frater, who will accompany the team to Darwin.
“This event provides pathways for kids who may never have played before or just picked up a racquet through to more competitive, experienced players who compete in the Future Stars and Showdown divisions. That’s one component of the carnival.
“Then there are the cultural exchange opportunities for young people to connect with other mobs, to embrace and learn more about their culture, sharing stories about themselves and their communities.”
Students taking part in the National Indigenous Tennis Carnival in Darwin will also take part in a range of cultural activities, including boomerang throwing, artwork and storytelling. Photo: Tennis ACT.
While this year’s ACT team of three boys and three girls is relatively new to tennis, Mr Frater believes the young people selected exemplify what the event is designed to nurture.
“Like Jadah, they are kids we believe will relish the opportunity to grow, learn and connect culturally and physically through tennis,” he said.
The National Indigenous Tennis Carnival (NITC) was created in collaboration with the Evonne Goolagong Foundation, Tennis Australia and Tennis NT and is held on the back of more than 30 state-wide events.
While Jadah admits she is a bit of a die-hard rugby league fan – she currently plays for the Woden Rams and dreams of one day becoming a professional NRLW player – this bubbly young woman says she is more than happy to give any sport a go.
She sees herself as a team player and someone who gives “100 per cent commitment” to whatever she takes on.
Jadah says she enjoys the footwork and fitness side of tennis – as well as the solid satisfaction that comes with hitting the ball!
“I’m looking forward to playing a lot of tennis in Darwin,” she said.
“I’m also looking forward to catching up with old friends and meeting new people. It’s a place I felt I belonged and felt confident being myself.
“My family is really important to me and my mum Amy has taught me a lot about my culture and my mob. I’m never going to change for anyone else.”
Goolagong, named Australian of the Year in 1971 and inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1988, has been a trailblazer in championing better health, education and employment opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.
“Once you find your culture, you find yourself … and you find your strength,” she said at last year’s NITC.
“And that will be with you for the rest of your life.”
