ACT representatives selected for the 2026 National Indigenous Tennis Carnival in Darwin (left to right): Simon Rolfe (Kamberra Indigenous Cleaning), Shay-lee, Jasmine, Carlos, Tahlia, Lukah, Cara, Tennis ACT diversity and inclusion lead Sunny Singh, and Tennis ACT national development head coach Tom George. Photo: Tennis ACT.
When Tahlia Armati learned she had been selected to represent the ACT at the 2026 National Indigenous Tennis Carnival, her first phone call wasn’t to a coach or teammate.
It was to her grandmother.
“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,” Tahlia told Region.
“When I was telling her, I was so proud of myself and excited that I would get this experience.”
Next week, Tahlia will be one of a group of young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander players travelling to Darwin to represent the ACT at the National Indigenous Tennis Carnival. This four-day event celebrates culture, connection and community as much as tennis.
Held in Larrakia Country from 5 to 8 August, the carnival brings together First Nations young people from every state and territory, giving them the chance to compete, learn from one another and strengthen connections to culture.
For Tahlia, wearing ACT colours is about far more than winning matches.
“I can’t wait to represent my community and share knowledge of mob and country in Canberra,” she 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 selected following Tennis ACT’s Ngunnawal Indigenous Tennis Carnival in June, where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children came together for a day of tennis, storytelling and cultural activities designed to build confidence, community and connection.
Tennis ACT chief executive officer Mark La Brooy said those values sit at the heart of the national carnival.
“We are incredibly proud of the players selected to represent the ACT at this year’s National Indigenous Tennis Carnival,” he said.
“This event celebrates culture, connection and community, while allowing participants to grow their confidence both on and off the court.”
He said the opportunity to travel, represent their communities and connect with First Nations young people from across Australia would stay with participants long after the tournament ended.
Ahead of the trip, the ACT team will train together at Canberra Tennis Centre, giving players a chance to build friendships before heading north.
National development head coach Tom George said selection reflected more than sporting ability.
“Being chosen to represent the ACT at the National Indigenous Tennis Carnival is a fantastic accomplishment,” he said.
“The players have earned the opportunity through their commitment, enthusiasm and leadership.”
He described the carnival as a place where tennis, culture and personal development come together in a unique way.
For Tennis ACT diversity and inclusion lead Sunny Singh, the pre-carnival session is about helping the group become a team before they arrive in Darwin.
“The training session gives our players the chance to come together as one team before heading to Darwin,” he said.
“It’s about building friendships, preparing for tennis and helping the group feel excited and confident about the experience ahead.”
He said one of the most rewarding parts of the carnival was watching young people embrace their culture, share their stories and create lifelong memories with other First Nations participants from around the country.
For Tahlia, the journey has also been shaped by those who encouraged her along the way. She credits her mother, Project Dust mentor Emma Laverty and her Aboriginal education contact teacher, Mrs Strickland, for believing in her and helping make the trip possible.
And if younger First Nations children are watching when she steps onto the court in Darwin, she hopes they’ll take away one simple message.
“I would hope they see the fun I am having and that they will give new things a go.”
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