The Squash WA Newsletter (SWAN)

April 2026 - Issue 122

Firstly, a quick update on the WA State Squash Centre’s upgrade progress.  This is YOUR State Centre, so please pop past anytime to have a look.  Works are due to be completed by 30 June 2026. Thanks to everyone for your patience while we give our sport’s home a face lift.  The sand, parking and entry are not ideal, but I can guarantee it will be worth the wait.

An exciting new venture Squash WA is about to embark on is establishing a Rainbow Racquets branch here in the West.  While Rainbow Racquets WA is still in its infancy, significant steps have been taken in its foundation such as the formation of a dedicated committee of four which include KittyMcQueen (Busselton), Kim Duffecy, Luke Austin and
Barbara Wall.

We've been talking to our Rainbow Racquets counterparts in other States and appreciate all the help and information  they have shared with us to date. Our next order of business is to establish a launch date, and we're looking forward to bringing that news to you in the not too distant future. 

If you're interested in getting involved with the Rainbow Racquets initiative, or simply have an idea you think should be heard, please feel free to get in contact with us via email: events@squashwa.asn.au. 

…and last, but by no means least…

Where were we two years ago?  Where are we now?  …and where do we want to be in two years?  

For a small sport with limited resources, the progress we’ve made over the past couple of years has been remarkable.  With the equivalent of two full-time office staff, and the support of a dedicated volunteer base, Squash WA has been able to deliver real outcomes for our community.

Every membership is an investment in squash itself — strengthening clubs, improving pathways, and building a bigger, more visible sport for players today, and the next generation.  The level of membership is irrelevant, whether $0 or $200 - your membership invests in our sport. 

Imagine where we could be in two years if:

• Each registered member invited just one new person to register with Squash WA — we could double our numbers at no cost. More members strengthens our sport and increases our ability to attract sponsorship and funding and most importantly, gives our players diversity in the people they play.

• Every casual, social and competition player registered with their club — our clubs would be stronger, more sustainable, and better resourced to grow.

• Every affiliated club ran a junior program — giving kids more options, more variety, and a clearer pathway from participation to performance for those who want to pursue it.

• More parents started playing because their kids are involved — a simple way to grow participation and strengthen club culture.

• Teachers and schools promoted squash — helping introduce the game to the next generation and building long-term growth.

The reality is, as a sport, we’ve achieved a great deal with very little.  When we each take small actions that cost nothing, the impact snowballs across our clubs and community.  Simply put, every new member is an investment in our sport.  With greater investment, we can move from steady organic progress to real leaps forward for all of squash in Western Australia.

Happy squashing!

Statistics are current as at the 25th of each month.

Thanks Ruby Foo!

"I recently competed in the Australian Junior Open (AJO) and the Oceania Junior Championships (OJC), which were both international competitions, where I achieved 2^nd and 4^th. Both tournaments were a very valuable and a fun experience for me as I got to be with my friends for a week, shopping and going out. More importantly I got to show off my playing abilities, challenge myself and my abilities but it also allowed me to have the opportunity to test my progress against strong players to see how far I’ve come in the past few years.

In the lead up to these competitions, I felt a mix of excitement and nerves. I was motivated to perform well by my friends, family, coach (Paul Kershaw) and myself as I wanted to prove that I was good enough, that all my hard work during training and match play had gone towards something, but I knew it wasn’t going to be easy as it was a high level of competition. This pushed me to focus and prepare as thoroughly as possible.

Across both competitions I played a total of 8 matches facing highly skilled and competitive opponents particularly in my semi-final and final matches. They all had different playing styles bringing different strengths and weaknesses to the court. Some relied on powerful shots while others used precision and accuracy which forced me to adapt my game plan to every opponent.

I train very regularly to improve my performance, typically practicing 5-6 times a week. My training includes drills, match play, on-court fitness as well as running and movement to build my technical skills and endurance.

Looking towards the future, I aim to continue improving my game and working towards achieving even better results, such as winning a state or national title. To reach this goal, I plan to refine my technique, stay consistent with training and continuing to push and challenge myself against stronger opponents. However, my love for squash is what drives me the most and I believe it’s important to always enjoy the sport and the experiences it brings. While winning is a goal, not everything is about results and maintaining my passion and enjoyment for the game is just as important as achieving success."

We can't WAIT to see how your squash future unfolds, Ruby!!

Thanks Sue Hillier!

22 players travelled from WA to compete in the 2026 Australian Junior Open (AJO) and Oceania Junior Championships (OJC) held at Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre (MSAC), Albert Park, Melbourne. The venue features 9 glass-back courts and one permanent all glass court, providing an excellent setting for high-level competition.

The events attracted strong international participation, with players from China, Malaysia, Singapore, India, New Caledonia, Sri Lanka, French Polynesia, Norfolk Island and New Zealand. Several players had a practice hit on the Saturday prior to competition, with some gaining valuable experience on the all-glass court.

I was fortunate to assist and watch players throughout the events who have been working hard with their anchor coaches in Perth.

Click HERE to read Sue's full report. 

Thanks Belmont Saints Squash Club

Western Australia’s vibrant community sport sector was on full display at this year’s WA Sports Awards, with the prestigious John Gilmore Medal – Community Club of the Year highlighting the outstanding contributions of local clubs across the state.

Among the nominees, Belmont Saints Squash Club earned significant recognition, being named a finalist and placing in the top three out of seventeen clubs. This achievement reflects the club’s strong commitment to community engagement, junior development, volunteer leadership, and the creation of an inclusive sporting environment.

Belmont Saints has continued to grow its footprint within the WA squash community, delivering accessible programs, fostering participation across all ages, and strengthening pathways for young athletes. The club’s finalist status underscores the impact of its volunteers, coaches, and members who contribute to a welcoming and energetic club culture.

The WA Sports Awards once again showcased the dedication of community clubs statewide, and Belmont Saints’ top‑three finish stands as a testament to the club’s ongoing efforts to elevate the sport and support its local community.

The Board and staff of Squash WA would like to extend their sincere sympathy to the family and friends of the wonderful Ros Jones who passed away recently after a hard-fought battle with cancer. 

Linda Roberts, a long-time and close friend of Ros, and Ladies State Grade team mate, shared a few words about her.

"Ros started out at North Beach, then when it closed came across to Mullaloo, where we won a State Grade title in 2003!  After Mullaloo also closed down, Ros continued training at Mirrabooka.

Ros had a great lob and drop game glute burner, and was a tough player.  She loved a drop of wine and a dance, and was very sociable and fun to be around. 

We were actually at training when Ros found a lump. She was determined to beat it and just wanted to be here for when her children had kids, but sadly, it was not to be. 

Ros leaves behind a gorgeous family of three children and husband Pete who are all devastated. They loved to travel and really cared for each other."

Rest in Peace Ros.

Thanks Lauren Smith!  A few participants also weighed in on what they thought of Manji's inaugural Triples event - so thanks also to Jamie Herring, Dave Windsor and Corina Malatzky! 

What a weekend in Manjimup! This long weekend we hosted the Manjimup Triples, Teams Tournament, the first tournament at the Manjimup Squash Club in more than 20 years.

Thank you to all our players who travelled from across Perth, Peel, Wheatbelt and South-West regions. Across three divisions, players took on four matches each over the weekend - plenty of tough squash, plus a few sneaky reverse boasts, drop shots and quality rallies.

Click HERE to read more. 

When Did You Last Get Your Skin Checked?

Thank you to our resident Registered Nurse Denise.

Recently, at squash, I spotted a lesion growing on someone’s leg. This prompted me to be a nuisance and encourage the person to attend a skin check clinic. It took a couple of weeks of me nagging before the person finally made an appointment. They're not yet aware of the biopsy result, however was told by the sepcialist that it is highly likely to be a skin cancer.

That then prompted me to remind EVERYONE to get their skin checked regularly.

There are many factors that determine how often you will need a skin check. The specialist checking your skin will assess your risk factors to determine how often you will need a skin check.

Click HERE to read more. 

Thanks guest contributor Luke Jamieson!

In the world of squash, things can sometimes get a little "hairy" when it comes to equipment - especially when it comes to the "Fallen Object” rule.

​If your glasses fall off, your sweatband slips, or if one of your (spare) balls fall out of your shorts during a rally, you don't just feel extremely embarrassed, you in fact lose the rally. 

Click HERE to read more. 

Thanks Josh Blakey!

The first term of Junior League for the year got off to a flying start. We had 18 kids sign up this term and from quite a few different clubs which was amazing. This term players would not only be playing to win their divisions but to also win the new club shield, awarded to the strongest club throughout the term.

We saw some tough competition and really hard fought matches along with juniors fostering friendships both on and off the court. The winners of the divisions this term were Indigo (Div 1), Lucas (Div 2), Patrick I (Div 3), Archie (Div 4) and Jesiah (Div 5). To determine the strongest club of the season, we tallied up all the wins and losses, and presented the shield to Belmont Saints who walk away as the inaugural winners.

I'd like to thank all the juniors for participating, the parents for supporting their juniors and the event, and the centres for hosting us.

Hope to see you all (and more) next term!

WA Events

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.

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

Nationwide Events

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.