I respectfully petition for the renaming of the Margaret Court Arena in Melbourne, Victoria due to the troubling associations with the name currently displayed prominently on the building. I believe it is imperative to reflect inclusivity, respect, and support for all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation or choices regarding family and career.

The current name of the Margaret Court Arena bears the name of an individual whose public statements and actions have been divisive and harmful, particularly towards members of the LGBTQIA+ community. In which she stated that she will not stand for same sex marriage, and people who want to change for their own mental and physical wellbeing are works of the devil.

Additionally, this individual has expressed disdain for mothers who pursue careers after having children even though Margaret had children and went back to work, thereby disregarding the struggles and contributions of working mothers all over the world.

By continuing to associate the arena with this individual, we are inadvertently endorsing their discriminatory beliefs and actions. Furthermore, it sends a message of exclusion to LGBTQIA+ individuals and working mothers who may feel unwelcome or invalidated by the name prominently displayed on a public venue.

Therefore, we urge the appropriate authorities and stakeholders to consider the following points:

Inclusivity: The name of a public arena should reflect values of inclusivity and respect for all individuals, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or lifestyle choices.

Community Representation: The name of the arena should resonate with the diverse community it serves, celebrating the contributions of all members and promoting a sense of belonging for everyone.
Promoting Positive Role Models: The name should honor individuals who embody qualities such as tolerance, acceptance, and support for diverse communities, including LGBTQ+ individuals and working mothers.

Corporate Responsibility: Sponsors and corporate partners associated with the arena should align with values of equality and diversity, ensuring that their branding reflects these principles.
In light of these considerations, we respectfully request that Margaret Court Arena be renamed to better reflect the values of our community and to create a more welcoming and inclusive environment for all individuals.

I believe that the Margaret Court Arena should be renamed to the Evonne Goolagong-Cawley Arena. This request stems from the desire to honor an individual who not only embodies excellence in tennis but also serves as an inspiration to countless young Indigenous children across the whole of Australia. 

Evonne Goolagong-Cawley, a proud Wiradjuri women from Barellan NSW, has not only achieved remarkable success in the world of tennis but has also used her platform to inspire and uplift Indigenous communities throughout the country. Her achievements on the tennis court, combined with her dedication to promoting opportunities for Indigenous youth, make her a fitting role model for all Australians.

The current name of Margaret Court Arena not only fails to recognize the contributions of Indigenous Australians to any sport played in this nation . By renaming the arena to honor Evonne Goolagong-Cawley, we have the opportunity to celebrate a true champion of the sport and a beacon of hope for any Indigenous persons across the nation.

Furthermore, this renaming would serve as a meaningful gesture of reconciliation and recognition of the injustices faced by Indigenous peoples throughout history. It would demonstrate a commitment to acknowledging and celebrating Indigenous culture, achievements, and contributions to Australian society.

Therefore, we urge the Australian government and relevant authorities to consider this petition and take action to rename Margaret Court Arena to Evonne Goolagong-Cawley Arena. Doing so would not only honor a deserving individual but also send a powerful message of inclusivity, respect, and reconciliation to all Australians.

Thank you for your attention to this matter, and we trust that you will give due consideration to the voices of our community in making this important decision.

Sincerely,

Joet Collier

email-Joet.Collier1@outlook.com