The sixth annual national indigenous tennis carnival starts on Wednesday, August 6 in Darwin.
Darwin, NT, August 5, 2025 | Camille Russo
More than 160 First Nations Youth participants from all over the country gather this week in Darwin for the sixth edition of the National Indigenous Tennis Carnival (NITC).
Held on Larrakia Country in the Darwin International Tennis Center, the four-day celebration runs from 6-9 August and brings tennis, culture, health, education and community together.
In the heart of the indigenous tennis path of Tennis Australia, the carnival offers a powerful opportunity for young people to build friendships and celebrate their heritage through tennis.
This year’s event follows 17-based leader-in carnivals, with nearly 1300 participants who participated in the entire country’s highest number since the program started. These leading events continue to serve as a launch platform for participation and community connection, while offering more young people the opportunity to do tennis.
Outside the field, participants are immersed in cultural activities such as painting wall painting, strings, traditional games, spear throwing and weaving, together with welfare sessions and an introduction to the Larrakia language.
Tennis legend and proud Wiradjuri woman Evonne Goolagong Cawley, whose involvement has played an important role in shaping the mind and the success of the event, will return to the carnival. Evonne, a passionate advocate for First Nations Youth, brings a unique presence that inspires the next generation.
Read: Evonne Goolagong Cawley Crowns 2024 National Native Tennis Carnival Champions
The NITC tournament contains two game flows, one for performance, including a competitive confrontation, and one for participation, with hot shots tennis and future stars for beginners and intermediary players.
The game starts on Thursday, August 7, with winners crowned for the 14/U- and 18/h showdowns on Saturday.
Find your way to play: Visit play.tennis.com.au To hit the field and to have some fun!
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