On Wednesday, January 18, 2023, the Australian Open will honor the longest-reigning culture in the world with a jam-packed schedule of entertainment, food, and art.
Evonne Goolagong Cawley, a seven-time Grand Slam champion, and Ash Barty, a proud Ngarigo woman and three-time Grand Slam champion, will both take part in First Nations Day, which has been a regular fixture of the Australian Open since the inaugural event in 2022.
The National Indigenous Tennis Carnival in Darwin and training sessions in Victoria served as the selection grounds for the team, which consists of 14 First Nations ballkids from across the nation.
AO 2023’s First Nations Day is going to be amazing, according to Wurundjeri Senior Elder Aunty Joy Murphy AO.
“To recognise and cherish Aboriginal people and culture, Tennis Australia has collaborated closely with our community. The quality of each year improves, and I am thrilled by the variety of activations.
Tennis Australia backs the Uluru Statement of the Heart and calls for the national dialogue to go on in order to eventually formalize a voice for First Nations people in the national Parliament that is suitable and long-lasting.
Our sport is built on inclusivity. Our goal is to continue collaborating closely with members, players, and indigenous elders in the communities where we play with the idea of honoring our illustrious First Nations athletic legacy.
These are examples of First Nations art, culture, and cuisine. The stairs leading to MCA have been changed by a sizable original installation by artist Bitja (Dixon Patten) of Bayila Creative. Additionally, Bitja’s artwork has been used across the website and is included in the line of AO First Nations goods.
At Grand Slam Oval, a massive mural created by Wurundjeri, Dja Dja Wurrung, and Ngurai Illum Wurrung artist Ky-ya Nicholson Ward depicts unity and diversity using classic symbols and tales.
Kids can participate in an immersive First Nations digital storytelling experience as part of the Emirates-sponsored AO Ballpark.
At the pop-up of her Byron Bay restaurant Karkalla, proud Bundjalung woman and former MasterChef candidate Mindy Woods will provide fans with sampling of native Indigenous products.
Another first for the AO is that on First Nations Day, Ground Passes will be $10 cheaper for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people thanks to “Mob pricing.”
