Young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander tennis players from the ACT will travel to Darwin this week to compete at the 2026 National Indigenous Tennis Carnival.
The four-day event will bring together Indigenous players from every state and territory on Larrakia Country from 5 to 8 August.
The carnival combines tennis with cultural activities, community connection and opportunities for young players to learn from one another.
Tahlia Armati will be among the ACT representatives after earning selection following the Ngunnawal Indigenous Tennis Carnival in Canberra in June.
Her grandmother was the first person she contacted after learning she had been selected.
She described the moment in an interview with Region Canberra.
"I called my Grandmother straight away as I knew she would be so excited for me and was eagerly awaiting to see if I was one of the lucky chosen children," Ms Armati said.
"When I was telling her, I was so proud of myself and excited that I would get this experience."
The national carnival will give her the opportunity to represent her community while meeting other young Indigenous people from across Australia.
She is looking forward to sharing her knowledge of the Canberra community and learning about the Countries and traditions of other participants.
Representing the ACT meant more than competing on the court.
"I can't wait to represent my community and share knowledge of mob and country in Canberra," Ms Armati said.
"I'm even more excited to meet new mob and build connections, learning from other kids about their country and traditions."
The ACT team was chosen after Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children took part in Tennis ACT's Ngunnawal Indigenous Tennis Carnival.
The June event included tennis, storytelling and cultural activities aimed at building confidence, connection and community.
Tennis ACT chief executive officer Mark La Brooy told Region Canberra those values were central to the national event.
"We are incredibly proud of the players selected to represent the ACT at this year's National Indigenous Tennis Carnival," Mr La Brooy said.
"This event celebrates culture, connection and community, while allowing participants to grow their confidence both on and off the court."
Travelling to represent their communities and meet Indigenous young people from across the country is expected to have an impact beyond the tournament.
Before heading to Darwin, the ACT players will train together at the Canberra Tennis Centre.
That session will help them prepare for the competition and begin forming connections as a team.
Sporting competition will sit alongside cultural connection and personal development throughout the carnival.
Tennis ACT diversity and inclusion lead Sunny Singh said the training session would help the players feel comfortable and prepared before the trip.
"The training session gives our players the chance to come together as one team before heading to Darwin," Mr Singh said, Region Canberra reports.
"It's about building friendships, preparing for tennis and helping the group feel excited and confident about the experience ahead."
The carnival also gives participants the opportunity to share their stories, embrace their culture and build friendships with other First Nations young people.
Tahlia credited her mother, Project Dust mentor Emma Laverty and Aboriginal education contact teacher Mrs Strickland with encouraging her and helping make the trip possible.
She hopes her participation will encourage other young First Nations people to try new activities.
Ms Armati had a simple message for children watching her play.
"I would hope they see the fun I am having and that they will give new things a go," Ms Armati said.
