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The Squash WA Newsletter (SWAN)

August 2026 - Issue 126

State Centre Belmont

For those who haven't yet visited the WA State Squash Centre in Belmont, you're in for a real treat.The major structural renovations are now complete!

While we are incredibly grateful to the State Government for its funding support, we are equally grateful to one individual in particular, for the countless hours, expertise, ideas and vision he has generously contributed to the project.

Lou Cotter has given his time freely, time and time again over the years.His knowledge, guidance and commitment have been invaluable throughout this journey. Even now, he continues to volunteer his expertise as we move through the fit-out phase.

If you see Lou around, please take a moment to thank him. His dedication, generosity and ongoing contribution to our WA State Squash Centre, which belongs to us all, deserves genuine recognition and appreciation.

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The World has Arrived in Perth!

A full-sized glass court stands proudly in the heart of Karrinyup Shopping Centre. Banners and event signage have transformed Belmont and Mirrabooka squash centres, and every day brings a growing stream of players arriving from around the globe.

International, national and local competitors are already filling our squash centres – training, preparing and settling into life in Western Australia. The sound of different languages, shared laughter and new friendships forming is a wonderful reminder of what makes our sport so special. While players may have travelled from vastly different corners of the world, they have all come together for the same reason – a shared love of squash, and the joy of competition.

As I write this, the Opening Ceremony at Scarborough Amphitheatre is still to take place and the first ball has yet to be struck. Yet the excitement and anticipation are already unmistakable. Nearly 1,000 players from an incredible 55 countries have entered the championships, making this one of the most significant squash gatherings ever held in Western Australia.

Behind the scenes, armies of volunteers are working tirelessly to bring the event to life across the three sites. Player packs are being assembled, accreditations prepared, merchandise sorted and countless final details attended to. Their efforts are a powerful reminder that squash possesses one of the strongest volunteer cultures in sport. Passion, generosity and an unwavering commitment to our game, continue to unite our community and make events of this scale possible.

We extend our sincere thanks to Tourism WA for its vision and support in bringing this remarkable event to our beautiful city. Thank you also to the City of Stirling and Karrinyup Shopping Centre for embracing the opportunity to showcase squash on such a prominent stage. Their support has helped create an experience that will not only benefit our sport but also leave a lasting impression on the thousands of visitors who have travelled to Perth, as well as an immeasurable number of Karrinyup Shopping Centre visitors.

To every participant, whether you've crossed an ocean or driven across town, we wish you an unforgettable ten days. We hope you enjoy not only the competition, but everything Perth has to offer. From world-class squash and spectacular venues, to our stunning coastline, vibrant hospitality and welcoming community, we’re confident your time here will create fantastic memories and friendships that last a lifetime.

It’s important to note that this event is about far more than the players stepping onto the court. It’s about spouses, partners, families and friends. It’s about clubs and centres proudly supporting their members. It’s about volunteers, officials and supporters. It’s about inspiring the next generation and showcasing our incredible sport to thousands of people who may be seeing squash for the very first time.

To our colleagues at Squash Australia, thank you. Thank you for believing that Australia could host this event, for securing the support required to bring it here, and for having the confidence in Squash WA to help make it a reality. Bringing the World Masters Squash Championships to Perth has been years in the making, and we are proud to stand alongside you as we welcome the world to Western Australia.

For the next ten days, Perth becomes the centre of the Masters squash world.

Good luck to everyone involved. Embrace every moment, enjoy the adventure, and make the most of this extraordinary opportunity. We look forward to reflecting on the memories, achievements and friendships created throughout the championships, and celebrating what promises to be a truly remarkable chapter in the history of squash in Western Australia.

Welcome to Perth. Welcome to the squash community. Welcome to the adventure.

Leigh-Anne Kaye,

General Manager, Squash WA

Time is running out to get your nominations in folks!! 

Our volunteers, officials and players are valued and vital contributors to the successful function of squash in Western Australia, at Club and state association level.  Squash WA is committed to providing a supportive and rewarding experience for those who contribute to the sport, and as such hosts an annual awards evening to recognise the achievements of those who go above and beyond. 

This year the Annual Awards Night will be held on Saturday 24 October. Tickets are now on sale HERE.

Award Catergories

  • Volunteer of the Year - Metro
  • Volunteer of the Year - Country
  • Coach of the Year
  • Referee of the Year
  • Club of the Year
  • Service to Masters
  • Junior of the Year
  • Junior Player of the Year*
    *This award is based on performance and is awarded at the discretion of Squash WA. Nominations from external parties will not be accepted.

The WORLD has descended upon our humble little Perth!! 

Playing or not, come along to one of three host venues between 30 August and 6 September and watch some WORLD CLASS squash. With almost 1,000 entries from around the globe, you do NOT want to miss this!!

If nothing else, make sure you go and have a look at the full-sized glass court at Karrinyup Shopping Centre!

Click HERE to see the entries and draws. 

Thanks Diego Hernandez!

As the curtain falls on the 8th Edition of the Leschenault Classic Teams Challenge, we wanted to take a moment to say a heartfelt thank you to each and every one of the 63 players who joined us this weekend.

Click HERE to read the full write up.

Click HERE to hear from junior Cole Jerome about his experience on the Tournament Tour!

Country Week is back for its 60th year!

More than just a tournament, Country Week is a celebration of regional squash, built on camaraderie, sportsmanship, and lasting friendships both on and off the court. Held at Squashworld Mirrabooka from Friday 25 to Sunday 27 September, this tournament attracts hundreds of players each year and remains the largest squash tournament in the state!

Team nominations are now open until Friday 4 September 2026.

  • MIXED TEAMS (4 players) $320 per team
  • WOMEN'S TEAMS (3 players) $240 per team
Team nominations must go through your club so make sure you let your Club Captain know you're keen to represent. Not sure who that is? Check out page 9 of the Player Info Pack. 
 
Head over to the event page for more information and to download the 2026 Country Week Player Info Pack, and make sure to follow the WA Country Week Teams Squash Tournament Facebook page for event updates.

Thanks Minesy!

This year, after getting Dean Williams to attend last year, we decided to keep going with that theme so we got an original Dampier legend to come and be a special guest of the tournament. Bob Jackson was the original Dampier Squash Club President, and also Club Champion for multiple years. He built the courts from one court to two, and then from two to three. He was also President of multiple other Dampier sporting clubs throughout his time in Dampier. An absolute legend. It was SO GOOD to have him back around the club seeing that the club he built is still prospering. 

Click HERE to read the full write up, see some photos, and read the AMAZING poem Prez Cal wrote about this year's event.  Grab a tissue if you're a tad sentimental!!

Tuesday night finals delivered some great squash and plenty of close matches across the grades. It was fantastic to see so many teams competing this season, with more players than ever getting on court and representing their clubs!
 
A big thank you to everyone who played and congratulations to all winners 👏
 
🏆 State Grade – Mirrabooka Stars
Arthur Law
Aiden Finlay-Mulligan
Scott Jerome
 
🏆 Division 1 – Belmont Brilliants
Eric Marsh
Alex Marsh
Asad Khan
 
🏆 Division 2 – Blue Gum 2
Brett Hainsworth
Edmund Van der Merwe
Javier Law
 
🏆 Division 3 – Blue Gum 4
Jeff Knuckley
Craig Geer
Anthony Campbell
 
🏆 Division 4 – Cambridge Drives
Austin Carter
James Davis
Gavin Allaway
 
🏆 Division 5 – Cambridge Volleys
Olivia Lynch
Tim Rosenow
James Plummer
 
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Thanks Paul Kershaw!

From 30 August to 6 September, Western Australia is hosting the World Masters Squash Championships, bringing some of the world’s best Masters players to our courts.

As a coach, I'm enjoying watching the quality of squash, but am equally interested in hearing how players had prepared. Their approaches varied according to age, physical condition, playing style and goals. Some prioritised fitness; others focused on court work, match play or recovery.

Those conversations reinforced the importance of individual preparation rather than applying the same programme to every player.

Click HERE to read more.

Thanks Ella Holman, Squash WA.

On 12 and 13 of August, we successfully held our Interschool Sports event, bringing together high school students from across multiple schools to promote physical activity, teamwork, healthy lifestyles and positive community engagement.

The event attracted strong and positive participation, especially from the Year 10-12 division, and provided students with a supportive and inclusive environment to compete in. We are very thankful for Healthway's sponsorship in being able to host and deliver this high-quality event that supports our partnership objectives of the promotion of healthy living and healthy eating.

Read the full write up and see the presentation photos HERE.

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A heart attack is a pain caused by a blockage of an artery that supplies blood to the heart and causes damage or death of the heart muscle.

Click HERE to read more about what steps to take should someone at your club suffer from a heart attack. 

Thanks Neil Butler!

With the World Masters Championships being held here in Perth, spare a thought for the official Referees who are refereeing the matches.

They begin with the first match of the day and are still there at the last match, and then come back the next day and do it all over again.

Click HERE to read more. 

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Along with all the below INCREDIBLE events, make sure you also mark your calendars with the Red Hot Summer Teams (Mirrabooka) - Friday 4 to Sunday 6 December

Registration link coming soon! 

 

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Cambridge Squash Club invites juniors from across WA to attend our 2026 Cambridge Junior Teams Challenge, taking place on 12 and 13 September.  Now into it's 8th year, this event has always been plenty of fun for participants to play in a teams format, compared to individual-based events that normally take place.  Wear your club shirt with pride as you represent your club with pride!  Or use it as a chance to play in a team with friends from other clubs.

As with previous years, play will kick off at 12pm on Saturday with 1-2 matches and then the remaining matches will start from 9am the following day.

Players can enter individually via Revo HERE, with notes to say who their team mates are, OR Junior Coordinators can submit teams in bulk via the registration form they have been provided with. 

Regular division players must be at 'Local' level or higher, whilst the novice grade can be 'Social' level.  Novice division will use beginner balls and have modified serving rules available to them.

The Club will be providing a canteen across the weekend. 

Any questions can be directed to: tim.cowell@squashworld.com.au

Nominations are now open for the 2026 Great Southern Wheatbelt Squash Team Championships proudly hosted by Narrogin Squash Club from Friday 13 to Sunday 15 November.

Nominate via Revo HEREEntries close 6 November 2026.

Tournament information

  • Narrogin Leisure Centre , Williams Road.  
  • 3 Person Teams, $240 nomination fee.
  • FREE camping available.
  • Canteen and bar facilities all weekend.

Friday 13/11:

  • Pizza and refreshments at the courts from 5.00pm to 9.30pm.
  • First round of fixtures will commence at 5.30pm followed by one at 7.00pm and the 
  • 'BULLSEYE BASH - CASH ON COURT CHALLENGE. Rules to be explained on the night.

Saturday 14/11:

  • Dinner and music/DJ @ Narrogin Cricket Club from 6.30pm. 

Sunday 15/11: 

  • Finals and Presentations.
  • Games are scheduled from 8.30am.
  • Presentations planned to commence at 12.00pm.

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Contact the office for a high quality copy of this poster to display at your Club.

Click on the poster to be taken to the Info Hub on our website.

It's important to drink water before, during and after playing and/or training to stay hydrated.

Did you know that OVER HALF your body is water?

Drinking water:

  • Keeps your body cool
  • Replaces fluid lost through sweat, and
  • Helps you to perform at your best. 

Did you ALSO know that the average 600ml sports drink contains 9 teaspoons of sugar? This means if you drink one sports drink each week over a year, you'll consume 2.3kg of sugar!!  

Click HERE to read more about how water is the number one choice for your body. 

Thank you for all your support Fuel to Go & Play!!


 

Contributions to the SWAN are ALWAYS welcome.  We LOVE to hear about events, awards, funny stories, and more!  Simply send an email to engagement@squashwa.asn.au.

 

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This newsletter is compiled and edited by BLOOM word + design.

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