The scenic riverside paths leading to the Australian Open courts symbolise sport’s long journey towards equality. This year, the tournament celebrated Evonne Goolagong Cawley Day, honouring the trailblazing indigenous tennis champion and her tireless efforts to promote diversity in the sport.
Goolagong Cawley, now 74, was unable to attend in person due to ill health, but her influence was strongly felt. Two weeks ago, a new TV drama about her career aired, showcasing her rural upbringing and Grand Slam success, as well as her significance to her community and the nation as a whole – not just as a barrier-breaking athlete, but as a mentor who fostered the next generation.
The Australian Open’s Evonne Goolagong Cawley Day featured a packed schedule of cultural celebrations, including a smoking ceremony, a Q&A with Cathy Freeman, and a performance from indigenous pop star Budjerah. Ball kids were also selected from tennis programmes for First Nations people, highlighting the event’s dual purpose of presenting indigenous culture to broader audiences while also encouraging participation.
“What we’re trying to do here is link tennis to people’s own culture,” says Rob Hyatt, an educator at the Koorie Heritage Trust. “When participation supports their Aboriginality and identity, that can really encourage them to stick in the sport.” Hyatt notes that participation levels for First Nations people lag considerably behind non-indigenous groups, particularly in tennis, which is seen as a traditionally white and conservative sport.
However, the problem of racism in Australian sport remains deeply entrenched. High-profile cases of racial abuse in Australian rules football have offered a damning indictment of permissive clubhouse cultures, while studies show that many athletes are reluctant to call out racism when they see it. A recent survey found that more than half of those interviewed had either experienced or witnessed racism in community sport, with 77% citing incidents within the last 12 months.
Researchers argue that a more structural approach is needed to tackle this problem, with diverse decision-makers on sports boards and conditions attached to public investment to promote anti-racism policies. While the Australian Open’s efforts towards inclusivity are commendable, the true test will be in enacting meaningful, systemic change that goes beyond symbolic gestures.
As the crowd streams into Melbourne Park, they pass by five tall spears and shields representing the five language groups of the Kulin Nation. Each spear has a unique point, reflecting the diverse functions they served. Tackling racism in Australian sport will require a similarly multifaceted approach, but it remains a collective challenge that must be addressed with determination and unity.
