Aboriginal and Islander Sports Hall of Fame facts for kids

The Aboriginal and Islander Sports Hall of Fame was started in 1994. Its main goal is to celebrate and honor Indigenous Australians (both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people) who have achieved amazing things in their favorite sports. This special Hall of Fame was a team effort between the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission (ATSIC) and Macquarie University. It was managed by Colin Tatz. People who are chosen for the Hall of Fame are sometimes called "Black Diamonds." This name comes from the first book about the project, which was published in 1996.

History of the Hall of Fame

A statue of the famous boxer Lionel Rose in Warragul, Victoria.

The idea for the Hall of Fame came from Chris "Honky" Clark. He was a director at a sports center in Condobolin, New South Wales, which was owned and run by Aboriginal people. Chris Clark wanted to inspire young Indigenous people. He thought sports photographs could help.

At first, a permanent photo exhibition seemed too expensive. So, musician and historian Ted Egan suggested making a book instead. This led to the book Black Diamonds: The Aboriginal and Islander Sports Hall of Fame, which came out in 1996.

The Hall of Fame was a joint project. It involved ATSIC (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission) and Macquarie University. Colin Tatz managed the project, and Paul Tatz took the photographs.

The first group of 129 members was chosen by well-known Indigenous athletes. These included Mark Ella, Sydney Jackson, Faith Thomas, and Charlie Perkins. They got help from three non-Indigenous historians: Ted Egan, Colin Tatz, and Alick Jackomos.

In 1999, 43 more members were added. The selection committee for 1999 included famous athletes like Arthur Beetson, Evonne Goolagong Cawley, Lloyd McDermott, Mark Ella, Gary Ella, and Charlie Perkins. They were also helped by historians who specialized in sports statistics. After this, a new book called Black Gold: The Aboriginal and Islander Sports Hall of Fame was published. It listed all 172 members with short stories about them.

As of 2000, the Hall of Fame didn't have a permanent home. However, there had been several photo exhibitions across Australia. Colin and Paul Tatz later gave 110 photographs from the Hall of Fame to the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS).

More people have been added to the Hall of Fame over the years. By 2018, there were 276 members. The selection panels always include many respected Indigenous leaders and athletes.

Who Can Be Selected?

To be chosen for the Hall of Fame, athletes need to meet certain requirements. These include:

• Representing Australia or their state/territory in a sport.
• Holding a national or international record or title.
• Achieving a very important "first" or giving an outstanding performance.
• Being highly praised senior players or medal winners in Australian football.
• Having great success as referees or umpires.
• Helping to create Indigenous teams and competitions through coaching or organizing.
• Making a big contribution to Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander identity through their sport.

Members of the Hall of Fame

People chosen for the Hall of Fame are often called "Black Diamonds."

Images for kids

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  Giant tennis racquet celebrating Evonne Goolagong at Barellan, New South Wales.

See Also

National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Sports Awards