The Squash WA Newsletter (SWAN)

June 2026 - Issue 124

It seems like every month is packed with Squash!!

Dave moving on

We would like to sincerely thank David Ilich for his dedication, hard work and commitment during his time at the State Squash Centre. He’s made such a meaningful contribution to the centre; driving improvements and helping to leave it in a stronger and better place. We greatly appreciate everything he has contributed and wish him all the very best in his next endeavour.

Dave has trained up our new Centre Manager Terry Ong. Please say hi to Terry next time you're at the State Centre. Terry does not have a squash background but is super keen to learn all about it. Welcome Terry!

The State Centre is coming along in leaps and bounds and is due to be completed next week! We are excited to be hosting the WA State 35+ (Masters) Championships upon its completion. Enjoying the new alfresco area for the Saturday night function might be on the cards, weather dependent (fingers crossed!).

A perfect time to reflect

Approaching the end of each financial year is a hectic time for most, but also a great opportunity to reflect on all the bits and pieces that have occurred behind the scenes to keep our sport moving forward (and this is far from the complete list):

• Moving from MYOB to Xero.
• Changing from calendar year to financial year.
• Changing our website, with more updates to come.
• Losing a few staff members, however GAINING others.
• Recording another rise in registered members since 2021, just shy of 2000!
• Pennant/League number increasing this year.
• Major improvements to Revo that have made the system much easier to use (acknowledging we still have some way to go).
• Our school programs are progressing extremely well.
• Our club junior programs are full to overflowing (those that are able to run one).
• Hosting the World Masters Championships here in Perth from late August.

So much has been accomplished, and again, without the passion and dedication of our incredible volunteers and club committees, we couldn't have achieved even half of it.

What's coming up

• With the new financial year comes membership renewal, so please renew yours on 1 July. You should have an email in your inbox regarding membership renewal. All you need to do is follow the steps which shouldn’t take you more than 3 minutes.
• The 2026 State Junior Championships are taking place from the Friday 4 through to 7 Tuesday July (individuals event draws HERE). The Junior State Team representing WA in the Australian Junior Championships in September will be selected a few days after that. Not to mention State 35+ (Masters) and all the metro and country tournaments coming up.
• Squash Australia are hosting activations at Karrinyup Shopping Centre through their national Squash Stars program in the lead up to World Masters. We’re excited to see even more juniors and adults coming through club and centre doors as a result. We’ve shouted out to the clubs closest to Karrinyup to come along and support this initiative, hand out flyers, and encourage new faces into our sport.
• …and don’t even get me started on the myriad of financial reports, audits, government department acquittals, etc!

World Masters

If you haven’t already done so, please register for the World Masters Championships asap – entries close on 19 July. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity so I urge you not to miss out! We’re also looking for volunteers to undertake a variety of tasks during the event, so please dig deep and register your interest HERE now.

Annual Awards

On a final note, a reminder to start thinking about who your club will be nominating for the 2026 Annual Awards. We have SO many amazing volunteers, and this is the perfect way to show how much you appreciate them. The awards night will be held on the weekend of the WA Closed. Nominations can be submitted via the Squash WA website here: https://www.squashwa.asn.au/information-hub/squash-wa-annual-awards.

Happy squashing!

Attention all juniors!

Keep an eye out during the State Junior Championships, as we are hosting some Junior Community Workshops. Several small sessions will be run throughout the day on Saturday 4 July.  You can just sign up on the day and pick a session that doesn’t clash with your match times!

Players, parents, grandparents, coaches, junior co-ordinators - anyone interested, with any thoughts, feelings, criticisms, hopes and dreams about juniors is warmly welcome.

Come and have your say – what should Juniors look like now and in the future? 

Kim Duffecy

No statistics are available this month due to the membership renewal process.

We are spoilt for write ups about this year's Golden Open!  Thanks so much to local clubby Miranda and participant from Perth Andy Jones for taking the time to put together some marvellous thoughts! 

"Each year, when the final match is played and the courts begin to empty, there's a moment to reflect on what the Golden Open is really about.

Yes, we're proud to host one of Australia's premier PSA Challenger events, attracting exceptional players to Kalgoorlie...But what makes the Golden Open truly special is the people behind it."

Click HERE to read more. 

Click HERE to see the photos. 

Click HERE to read Hannah and Daniel's write ups. 

Thanks Serena Richardson!

What a season of Day League!!

Mirrabooka took out the Champion Club trophy with some solid wins across the 12 week season.

Div 1:

• W Devils (Wes Emery, Ray Bell, Kim Lloyd, Roger Campbell)
• RU Dingoes (Boby Markovic, Ray Villaroya, Barry Gordin, Dennis Hughes)
• MVP Phil Bradshaw

Div 2:

• Galahs (Debbie Kealley, Pam Butler, Russell Chandler, Di Cook)
• RU Bandicoots (Julie Banfield, Alison Williams, Cathy Wilson, Bev Harmer)
• MVP Debbie Kealley

Div 3:

• Platypuses (Desley Wimbridge, Michelle Jones, Anita Bull, Serena Richardson)
• RU Roos (Kevin Prunster, Chris Reston, Ely Hornby, Nitha Sanmugasundram)
• MVP Serena Richardson

Click HERE to see the presentation photos.

If you have Wednesday mornings free, and enjoy a social hit, great food and a glass or two of something bubbly, then this is the comp for YOU!!

The Winter season kicks off on 22 July and runs through to 9 December.  Sign up via Revo here: https://www.squashwa.asn.au/events/329096.  Contact Lyn Chandler for more information or to get your name on the reserve list: lynchandler123@gmail.com or 0400 766 521.

Thanks Paul Kershaw!

“Squids” (Squash + Kids) is a fun, energetic introduction to squash for children aged three to eight, pioneered by Mirrabooka Squash Club. Built around play rather than formal coaching, it helps young children build confidence, coordination and a love of movement from their very first time on court.

Click HERE to read more.

I think we can all relate to this month's topic - stretches, strains, bruises, injury management, etc.!

Soft tissue injuries

Warm up and stretch thoroughly before playing. Stretching is an important part of your cool-down routine as well.

Don’t stand too close to your opponent, and if you think they’re affecting or preventing your swing, ask for a Let (please).

Stop playing immediately if an injury occurs, to prevent further damage. Playing through the pain will only aggravate the injury.

Players with a history of joint injury (for example, ankle) should seek medical advice about taping or bracing their joint before playing.

Consider having some lessons with a qualified coach to ensure good technique. Incorrect technique puts unnecessary strain on joints and muscles. For example, holding the racquet incorrectly can cause stress to the wrist.

If you’re new to squash, start with a slower (bouncier) ball. A slower ball gives you more time to get to the ball, putting less pressure on your body.

WHAT TO DO

Treat all soft tissue injures (ligament sprains, muscle strains, bumps and bruises) with RICE: Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation (raise the limb above your heart).

Seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Visit the Sports Management Australia website for more information: https://sma.org.au/resources/injury-fact-sheets/soft-tissue-injuries-2/

Thanks Neil Butler!

The Rules of Squash deal with the expected behaviour of players but generally do not deal with parents and spectators.  

On my travels around the squash centres I occasionally come across posters relating to tips for parents and spectators, so I thought this would be a good chance just to remind us all how we can support our sport by applying some of the following tips.

Click HERE to read more. 

WA Events

Dampier Squash Club is now calling for team nominations for the 2026 FeNaClNG squash tournament to be held Friday 31 July - Sunday 2 August 2026.

The format will be similar to previous years with a welcome dinner on Friday night, squash both Saturday and Sunday with Grand Finals Sunday afternoon. Presentation and meal on Sunday evening in the club Amphitheatre from 6.00pm will conclude the event. 

To keep with tradition it will be a 4 person team running grades A, B, C and D. I have provided an entry form below for completion for team registration submission. We encourage you to give your team a name or stick with the traditional club representation name - but please specify.

If you have extras or can't make a full team please also add as I am sure other clubs will be in the same boat and we will do our best to accommodate. 

The cost of the weekend will be $100 per player ($400 per team), this includes 3 to 4 games of squash per player, two complimentary dinners and a brilliant weekend. 

For all those who are electing to camp at the courts, we have once again been granted access to utilise the tennis clubs real-estate right next door to the squash courts. Camping will be free of charge with plenty of room for your tents or swags. The squash courts also have ablution and BBQ facilities which you are free to use over the weekend. 

All nominations will need to be submitted to, Fenaclngsquash@gmail.com by no later than 17 July. This is to allow the draw to be put together and distributed in a timely manner.

Download your entry form HERE. 

You read that right, the WORLD Masters Champs are coming to our humble little Perth!!

Spread across multiple squash centres as well as a glass court smack BANG in the middle of Karrinyup Shopping Centre, you do NOT want to miss THIS.

Registrations are open now and are swarming in with WELL over 400 entries received already!  Compete against squashies from around the world, including the UK, US, Canada, Portugal, Brazil, Mexico, India, Italy, Hong Kong, Namibia, South Africa and MORE.

This event takes place from 30 August through to 6 September. 

Click HERE to visit the World Squash Federation to sign up today. 

Nationwide Events

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

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.

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