Australian Open's scenic riverside path symbolises sport's long walk to equality | Emma John

"The riverside walk to the Australian Open courts is a scenic joy for the sporting pilgrim. Rowing crews train up and down the water, framed by the city's sun-flecked skyline. The Melbourne Cricket Ground floodlights signal distantly ahead. Beneath the feet of the crowds hurrying to ticket barriers, the concrete path transforms into an artwork: a twisting confluence of eels honouring their Yarra River migration, which once provided abundant food for the Wurundjeri people."

"On Wednesday the celebration of country continued inside the precinct. This was Evonne Goolagong Cawley Day, when the tournament celebrates First Nations people and culture. A packed schedule of entertainment included a smoking ceremony on the steps of Margaret Court Arena, a Q&A with Cathy Freeman, and a performance from the Coodjinburra pop star Budjerah. There were taster sessions and weaving workshops, and all the ball kids were from tennis programmes for Indigenous peoples."

"Making sport more accessible and appealing for First Nations people is a passion for Rob Hyatt. The 56-year-old weekend cricketer is an educator for the Koorie Heritage Trust, which had a stall of its own on Wednesday. He sees this annual Australian Open event (now in its fifth year) as dual-function. It presents Indigenous cultures in a way that engages the broader Australian and international communities; it also encourages Indigenous sporting participation."

The approach to the Australian Open features rowing crews, a sun-flecked skyline and a riverside artwork honoring the Yarra River eel migration that once fed the Wurundjeri people. Evonne Goolagong Cawley Day celebrated First Nations people and culture with a smoking ceremony, a Q&A with Cathy Freeman, a Budjerah performance, taster sessions, weaving workshops and Indigenous ball kids from tennis programmes. Goolagong Cawley, aged 74, was ill and absent, yet her influence on Indigenous sport remains strong. A recent TV drama portrayed her rural upbringing and grand slam success. Koorie Heritage Trust educators promote accessibility and Indigenous sporting participation.

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