From Western Advocate, Bathurst, 13 April 2000
By Jacinta Carroll

Aborigines should make their point on the sporting field rather than protesting at the Sydney Olympics, according to one of Australia's greatest Koori athletes.

Tennis champion, Evonne Goolagong-Cawley, who was in Bathurst yesterday to receive an Honorary Doctorate from Charles Sturt University, said violence as advocated by Charles Perkins was `not fair' on the athletes.

"Cathy Freeman is an inspiration for young children," she said.

"They (the Olympics) are a chance to encourage kids to be the best they can, that's what we need to focus on" she added.

Mrs Goolagong- Cawley also expressed disappointment in comments made by Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, John Herron, on the stolen generation.

"How can someone put a percentage on it (the number of children taken from their families)?" she asked.

Mrs Goolagong-Cawley recalled as a young child, hiding under the bed in case someone came to collect her.

"I can remember visiting cousins in Griffith, hiding under the bed when someone we didn't know was at the front door.

"It is very disappointing to hear (comments such as Mr Herron) because it is something that effects us all," she added.

Despite the problems, Mrs Goolagong-Cawley said she remained optimistic for the future.

"There are a lot of wonderful people out there working together, so I'm very positive about the future," she said.

Relationships between Aboriginal and non Aboriginal people is something Mrs Goolagong-Cawley is passionate about and she has long been a role model not only for Aboriginal people but for all Australians.

In recent years she has become increasingly involved in Australian Aboriginal affairs, working tirelessly in bringing both Aboriginal and non Aboriginal people together and changing attitudes and perceptions.

Since 1997, she has worked as an ambassador for the Australian Sports Commission with the role of encouraging both Aboriginal and non Aboriginal children to be more involved in sporting activities.

According to Mrs Goolagong-Cawley, yesterday's award of an Honourary Doctorate for her community and sporting was both `neat' and `an honour'.

"I'm honoured to get it for something that I enjoy doing.

"I love working with aboriginal kids, all kids in fact, it really is a pleasure for me," she said.

Conscious of her position, Mrs Goolagong-Cawley said she looks forward to continuing her work in the community.

"My job is to help kids, to show them the opportunities are out there," she said.