This pathway initiative was set up in partnership between Tennis Queensland and SWIN. This program enables young Indigenous youths aged between 12-17 yrs to participate and learn about tennis. Also, through this program SWIN in partnership with Tennis Queensland provide training and equipment for communities. Through the carnival concept, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participants have an opportunity to attend the National Indigenous Tennis Carnival in Darwin annually.
In previous years, the Western Rivers Cup Tennis was delivered through a traditional Challenge format, featuring structured match play and competitive set games. However, it became evident that this competitive environment wasn’t resonating with many Indigenous children, with a noticeable reluctance to participate in formal competition. In response, over the past two years, we’ve shifted the format to focus on Tennis Gala Days—fun, inclusive, and participation-based events designed to create a more welcoming environment for young players. This change has proven highly effective, with participation steadily increasing each year. The Gala Days emphasise skill-building, teamwork, and enjoyment rather than competition, which has helped build confidence and engagement among participants. With the introduction of two Gala Day locations—one in Toowoomba and one in Roma—we’ve seen a significant boost in numbers.
This year, over 20 participants attended the Toowoomba event, while Roma welcomed more than 40 participants, marking our highest attendance yet. This growth highlights the success of the inclusive format and the importance of culturally responsive programming that reflects the preferences of our communities.
For More Information Contact
Shari Woodbridge
Pathways and Events Coordinator
Email: pathways@swin.org.au
Phone: 0483 206 821
