Darwin Squash Has Been Saved!!
The NT Government has announced they have approved funding for new Squash courts in Darwin. Thanks to everyone who supported Darwin Squash Association and Squash NT to make this happen.
See the update from Richard Weir on the DSA website.
hello there gaza here is the contact details,give them a call ,say gary d recommened you
I am looking for Steven Bowditch , I am an old friend from Europe
thanks
save the squash courts in darwin
AWYEAH!!
what a big effort! what a debt we owe all the negotiators!
Great Job Everyone! Squash in Darwin has been saved!!
big thanks to Scotty and all the staff at the current center for the successful tournerment
Great news everyone!!!!!
I’ve just found out that the government has granted 4 million dollars to squash NT to build a new set of courts!!!!!!!!
I would like to start playing squash so it would much appreciated to have facilities in Darwin, not only for myself but for those who are already squash fanatics and aspiring ones!
We need Darwin squash!
What about the passion, fitness, entertainment that it brings to us? Please consider what will keep people happy!
Squash is a world recognized sport and to not have facilities available in Darwin for people who play and future players would be a crying shame
Also if anything I can do will help SAVE DARWIN SQUASH I am willing to volunteer time to the cause.
If squash dies in Darwin I’m going to throw a big tantrum.
I only just bought a racquet and spent $120 on squash in a day and then they tell me it will close!!!!!!!!!!
SAVE DARWIN SQUASH, SAVE DARWIN SQUASH
SAVE DARWIN SQUASH, SAVE DARWIN SQUASH
SAVE DARWIN SQUASH, SAVE DARWIN SQUASH
Save Darwin Squash
Squash is fitness
Fitness is health
Health is wellbeing for our city
come on everyone keep up with the great support! we’re doing so well!
SAVE DARWIN SQUASH!
I might not have a racquet,
And I might not have a ball…
So if they close down Darwin Squash
I’ll have no chance at all
And just when we were thinking of really getting into it every week, too.
**Cheers and Save Darwin Squash!**
.
Hi Carrie
I’m an old friend of Doug Fowlie who lived in Darwin in the 1970s.
Would you be related to him? he was originally from Aberdeen, Scotland.
If you are please pass on my email address to him. Kind Regards George Hooks
yeah I know, squash isn’t outdoor.
The points still the same!
I have spent a good portion of my life on the squash court.
Growing up on the squash scene taught me a great many life skills including maturity and good sportsmanship.
In my ‘hey day’ squash was a culture in itself. I’ve seen the changes of squash Darwin and was initially sad to see Dashwood close and then Squashworld.
Darwin people need more choices in outdoor recreation not less.
Please dont leave Darwin without a squash facility.
Obviously no politician or there family play squash. In the early eighties there was three squash
venues, now heading to none.
SAVE DARWIN SQUASH
Hope all goes well, would really suck if squash died in NT
It’s funny the government can find money to build a water park but can’t support a sport like squash.
Shame , Shame, Shame
shows the calibre of the Territory Government – maybe we should put a football field inside the Squash Centre and you would get your funding, here we have a Territory with a population of 200,000 plus yet our Pollies (who want the Territory to become a state mind you)cannot even commit to a squash centre. Unbelieavable and unforgivable.
Come on every one 151 supporters is not enough. Lets really save Darwin Squash
save squash in the NT,get your priorities right NTG!
Why pour lots of government money (taxpayers money) into events like Arafura Games which only come around some years but not support something LOCAL ???
My son has just started to learn squash and my husband is interested in playing again.
Please save the Darwin Squash Association courts – give Darwin people an affordable sporting avenue!!
I owe a lot to squash – it kept me fit – off the streets at night – eating healthy food – not smoking – and with time for a limited amount of alcohol. Where else can you get these distractions from an unhealthy life than on the squash court.
I used to play five times a week including competition – it was also a great networking opportunity. It did not matter who you were in life on the sqaush court you were as good as your ability in the game and everyone respected you for that – not who you were outside.
I think there should be more emphasis on the game as a distratction from the social ills of todays life for young people – not a campaign to keep it altogether.
How stupid is that! Just when the world needs more squash Darwin is fighting to keep it. Get real and make it a sensational diversion.
Squash is an awesome game that can be played all year around, it is great exercise and Darwin would be a poorer place without it!
Great sport, Darwin would be poorer without it!
Just surprising that the NT are willing to kill such a great and age old sport.
I grew up playing squash. The game is amazing and I made heaps of friends, some of who I still have contact with 30yrs down the track. We have a lot of talent in Darwin and if you take this sport away, we will again lose more people from the Territory. This war has gone on too long!
Darwin squash courts has been around to see many generations! Don’t dare make this sport extinct for Darwin! We complain about obesity increasingly destroying our young, not a good look! A greater range of variety will increase chances of a healthy life! We encourage other states to participate in competitions which brings tourism to Darwin! If Geraldton WA can afford to adequately support their small population with new courts, SO CAN WE!
I love the place and it has been there since my mum was a kid. My brother is 9 and he is yet to experience the fun of the squash courts. They are fun to go to and need to stay there because many squash players go there and they will have to quit or move.
I love the place and it has been there since my mum was a kid. My brother is 9 abd he is yet to experience the fun of the squash courts. They are fun to go to and need to stay there because many squash players go there and they will have to quit or move.
It seems contradictory that the government is worried about the health costs associated with a less active society (and consequent obesity problems) and is therefore pushing iniatives such as “find thirty” yet is seemingly doing very little to ensure the sustainability of a fantastic and loved sport in Darwin (and one of few sports that can be played in Darwin irrespective of weather). PLEASE save Darwin Squash – it would be madness not to.
Darwin needs this facility for juniors and seniors alike as Darwin is loosing so many of their recreational spaces for real estate. It would create a huge gap in the Top Ends competiveness and equatity in relation to other states. I recently visited a squash court in NSW and not only had they been aware of the craziness they were appauled that the NT chose not to support youth involvedin squash in Darwin.
Such a pity that you cant think of some way to incorporate a footy ball into your game somewhere, then funding would not be a problem.
Think I heard that the Gov had allocated a space at Marrara for you so hope it all works out & you get bigger & better.
Squash is great all year sport for Darwin. While our children are still at the ‘have a bash level’, I am looking forward for the time when it clicks for them and they find themselves really enjoying a sport that is rewarding across skill levels. I’d be happy to still have a court to struggle around. The Government has recently resurrected the Children’s Road Safety facility – would be good if similar foresight guarantees a future for a great sport for most ages. Keep up the good work DSA.
Squash courts are an essential community facility which people of all ages can enjoy.
The Government should support and encouraging the efforts of the DSA committee and others like it across the territory.
Dashwood Courts, Nightcliff courts are both gone. Last standing is the Millner Courts. I played at all 3 of them & Squash is a great sport at all levels of fitness.
NTG put OUR/YOUR money where OUR/YOUR Squash courts should go – MARRARA.
I see there is !!!NT!!! National champions. Support them & the Arafura Games people by having a PERMANENT SQUASH court. PRACTICE WHAT YOU PREACH in the media. i.e. DRW is on par with “the South”, healthy lifestyles, SQUASH is fun.
SAVE DARWIN SQUASH!
Though I have never really got that good at squash, it’s always been tonnes of fun playing there. One awesome part of it being an indoor sport is that you can play all year round so it’s a great sport to play.
Save Darwin squash so that my friend who got just picked for nationals can continue playing his favourite sport
I have been playing squash for a few years now, and have allways enjoyed it. It is a great game that can be enjoyed at any skill level. It is very good for fitness, and I feel taht it is one of the smarter sports to play in Darwin, where it is too wet to play outside for half the year, and too hot for the rest of it.
SAVE DARWIN SQUASH
Save it! My uncle will get fatter and die if theres no squash!
Darwin Squash is great, and means so much to so many people. Totally worth saving!
Save Darwin Squash!
What a fantastic all year sport for Darwin. A club that has produced some past champions and creating new ones for the future is too important to loose…What a shame squash does not encourage sufficient political motivation for the local members to support their own voters. Go DSA.
I have seen the joy that squash gives to so many people. I beleive that organisations like this that keep people of all ages active and social need to be support and kept alive.
Squash is a great indoor game and gives kids a sun smart alternative.
A sport perfect for the tropics that receives little to no attention from a Goverment that has resisted engagement. It is a sad state of affairs when you sit back and watch the talent of the juniors coming through.
Squash is just about the perfect exercise for the Territory – we can enjoy it year round regardless of weather.
NTG should take a long term view of this. More people actively playing squash will mean a fitter Territory and lower health costs.
The Government needs to help supply the appropriate facilities for its people
Save Darwin Squash! Come on NTG… show us that great comunity spirit and chip in a new building! You can’t kill the sport… its just not right…
I can not believe how long this is taking. I know DSA have done everything that is being asked of them (and more). Is it because it isn’t a football code that there is minimal interest being displayed in squash. All that room is available at Marrara in the sports precinct but no support from the bean counters. Come on….we keep going on about the Territory “way of life” and “give everyone a fair go”…should that be “give everone a fair go but only if I agree with them!”. Heads up NTG…be fair.
Come on NT government, here is an opportunity to really show you are actually interested in territorians health and fitness.
Squash is an international sport enjoyed by many, young and old.
Our current group of junior players is outstanding, due to hard work by the Squash association and the kids themselves, don’t let them down.
DSA should be saved. My young son has enjoyed squash at the centre for since he could walk. The centre supports young people in our community, provides a social interactive sports activity for all ages and welcomes international guests during the Arafura games. We would be sadly lacking if we lose this important sport.
I am in full support of the need for Squash courts in Darwin.
In other parts of Aust local councils have squash as part of their sport and recreational facilities.
The NT Govt ,at least , if not the Darwin council should ensure squash is available to all tax payer and sport enthusiasts. Thanks
I am a great friend of supporter Ryan Smith. Squash is an amazing game in which I have participated in several times. It is entertaining and a great way to stay fit. Squash has been awesome on my friend and it would be shame to see him become a slob like me ;P
I am not a squash player myself, but last year I visited the Squash center for school. Squash is amazingly fun, and there is no reason why it should go.
Im a 15 year old who has been playing squash for more than a year its a fun sport and i really wouldnt get any other exercise in if we didnt have it my whole family plays squash
we have a national age champion and we have world ranked players competing in our tournaments . where is the justice . My whole family play squash 7 people . Australian age champions and just people who want to play a sport which is healthy .
This is a facility that is much needed in this harsh climate.
It offers a choice from the normal outdoor sports. It enables my daughter to feel proud that she can stratagise to win points.
It would be a great disgrace if this government does not support and sport.
I have seen the pleasure that Squash gave to my son for 5 years straight. It was his sport of choice for those years. Every sport is different. Some people excel in a particular sport that they cant repoduce in other sports.
There is a clear need and place for Squash in Darwin.
Finally, Could you imagine where Squash would be today if you didn’t have to pay rent over the past decade!!
I have played squash for years and years. Just moved here. Can’t not have squash.
How can a city the size of Darwin not have a squash facility. MADNESS!!!
Squash is the ideal sport for Darwin (out of the extremes of weather)and fits well with typical modern lifestyles where intense fitness and fun can be had in a short time. I have been playing for many years in various places and it would seem ludicrous for a city of the size of Darwin not to have a proper squash centre. Particularly where sport is such a big part of life in the Top End and almost every other sport has major support from the NT Govt. And most importantly, where the number and standard of junior squash players is so high.
save the squash
Darwin needs as many sporting outlets as possible to help promote a healthier lifestyle.
Support Darwin Squash ALL THE WAY!!!!
crazy to have a capital city with not one squash court…especially a city with a local super squash star!
…make some serious plans to replace the squash courts if nothing can be done to prevent the destruction of this one.
keep fighting the good fight squash fans! nice work.
I agree let them move something else for it, or at least approve a new area for it.
It is very sad and disappointing that the NT Government can’t get its act together! Our squash champions need a permanent place in which to train.Other squash players will also be left out in the cold. This is unacceptable.
Insane and shaeful to do away with such a vital sport. God save Darwin squash
I love my footy , but give us a break!! It’s interesting to see how the government is happy to spend ridiculous amounts of money hovering helicopters over a quagmire for a single game of football,( which was never going to happen)…….perhaps if we dispensed with the raquets and kicked the squash ball around the court we may get some more attention.
i really dont know if that was a joke or your just an idiot yoris wilson but at least be supportive
If the NT Government wants to attract international sports people and supporters (including their $$$) to Darwin for the Arafura Games it should support all sports. Good luck.
Darwin doesn’t need to lose another indoor sporting facility. Our kids need more options in the hot Darwin weather conditions….not less
Please dont let this happen…there are too many people that are using this as a lifestyle sport….there is NO such thing as a good game of squash….and you cant compare it to tennis…at all….thank you….
Darwin needs a Squash centre. Please help with the new build.
How embarassing for the next Nationals – NT v WA….Oh, no NT….maybe Tasmania’s “D” grade could fill in for the NT, (no offense to Alice Springs, you are moving toward being the NTs only Squash Centre).
Can we still be regarded as being a City, I know we have a Cathedral and Detention Centres but….?
Darwin squash attracts international players and has a junior program that allows NT kids to compete nationally at top levels. It’s disgraceful to think that the NT government will allow a benchmark sport to fall by the wayside while they throw millions of dollars at horse racing.
The Darwin people will soon be deprived of another great sports if we do not have the facility for squash. How is squash a less important game compared to soccer, footy and cricket?
The government talks about Darwin being at par with other cities in Australia but can’t even have a proper squash courts? Totally absurd.
We live in a city of almighty heat and a wet season that hampers water sports. Please think twice before you take this away from us. This brings fitness, healthy lifestyle and tourism dollars, a leading city without a squash centre???????? Get real.
I lived in darwin for 3 years and played squash at the courts. If I lived there now I would protest. The NT gov aint looking after this group of epic people. Build it and everyone is happy!!! New courts would do sooooooooo much good for the squash community in darwin!!!
Pleeeasssse this service needs to remain open. The people of Darwin deserve & need it. We need options for fitness, weight control & emotional well being thru exercise.
This is the sport I play during the build up & wet- airconditoning!
I play squash & I vote!
Nightcliff gone , Sabine Rd gone whats next !
no way.. you cant do this…do you want us to get even lazier????Pleas con sider all the happy people doing this sport…thank you.
Get all your friends and relatives to email letters of support or otherwise to the Minister for Health, minister.vatskalis@nt.gov.au
and the Minister for Sport – ‘minister.hampton@nt.gov.au’ – let’s see some action! If they can pour tens of thousands for people to sit on their bums and cheer at V8s, surely they can put up some money for people actually playing a sport.
Please delay demolishion of the Darwin Squash courts until another facility is built!
Absolutely ludicrous that a capital city in this country could be left with no squash courts.
Absolutely critical to keep squash alive and thrashing in Darwin. There are bugger all ways to keep fit indoors and this is one of the best sports to do that. Let’s see the government put its money where its mouth is. If you’ve got a group of people committed to staying healthy, then how about the ministers get behind them and set an example.
WOW!! UNBELIEVABLE!! Squash is such an awesome sport those who have had the opportunity to play understand what im saying. Squash courts are slowly disappearing all around Australia and for it to happen in Darwin would be devastating. PLEASE SAVE DARWIN SQUASH!!
i love the squash courts i think they should stay where they are and i think we already have enough flats and hotels in the cities and stuff and there used to be a skating
called skate world which was my favourite place in darwin apart from zone 3 but i think at least the squash courts should stay lots of adults and kids enjoy it so please let it stay
“PLEASE”!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
please save darwin squash it is so fun and the new courts will take forever to make.thanks
Hey NT Gov. help us out here first the roller skating rink closed to make way for units. Now the sqash courts are closing for … um more units. The government wants the community to be healthier, so back up the rhetoric with some action. SAVE DARWIN SQAUSH!
Save Darwin Squash
It should be a bigger part of Darwin Sports and should be recognised as such
Keep squash alive for all the people that love it.
save darwin squash
my cousins play this and they love it,one of my cousins is the 2nd best in the nt at his age group, he could have a good future for this and now they’re taking it away
i dont play, but i know my mother loves the game
dont take a sport that has been played by my family and many others in the territory for 3 generations
Just moved to Darwin from interstate and squash is my sport of choice. Keep it alive! We need a squash court!!
keep squash alive it is well worth it
Please, Please,Please…Make it possibe!! squash is great. Just moved here from WA, where I started playing squash for the first time and loved it. Was sooo happy when we found out there was a sqaush court not far from us and then to find out it was going to close…
couldn’t believe there’s not another one here?? It’s a great game to be appart of, great people and fantastic social activity, if you’re not into team sports or get a bit put off by other sporting clubs etc, this is great!! It’s just different.. Please support Save Darwin Squash 
Good job..
Darwin…I’m from Wollongong and thats what they did….Squash is a great sport and entertaining..its just a wee little building that gives joy to a handful of enthusiasts….what ever happened to FAIR GO…
Great community sport : not beer guzzling spectator sport. Participants range from juniors (great coaching) to masters and male and female ie healthy balanced environment unlike many other sports.
Many places have decreased court numbers as most courts are private business not government and land values mean better returns on development
Let the NT gov take a positive lead
C’mon gov how can a CITY have no squash courts? Approve the funding already!
We need facilities like Darwin Squash; please keep it available.
Our population is becoming increasingly sedentary. As a community, we should be maintaining and expanding options to encourage healthy physical activity. Shutting down squash limits options for a healthy active pastime. Our climate has conditions which often discourage physical activity; squash isn’t dependent on good weather so it encourages year round participation. Don’t limit people’s choices and involvement in physical activities!! We have already lost the skate rink, so save squash before it’s too late!
Save Darwin squash!
How can the NT Govt let this happen, it’s pathetic, where is the support from Sports and Recreation? If the land needs to be redeveloped then they need to make sure another squash facility is completed prior to the old one being demolished – time to put their hands in their pockets for Squash for a change!
Keep Squash alive.
I am not a huge sports fan (as much as I appreciate the importance of sport) and I can’t play any sport including squash to save my life. However it is a lots of fun and probably the only one sport that I have the guts to ‘give it go’.
I have also been taking my brother’s kids there on occasion for the last few years and it is a place where we can bond and have had healthy clean fun. These kids have since lost their father who passed away and it would be sad to lose the one sporting venue that we can go to have a laugh and continue to bond the way we do when we go there.
I have read some other comments and it is a great sport that creates great community spirit. The people that work there are very welcoming and they work hard to keep squash available for all Darwin players.
Darwin needs to keep Squash alive. Save Darwin Squash!!!
Squash is growing.. Its An awesome sport.. If Darwin loses squash, Darwin also loses me..
Although a capital, Darwin is a regional city, and having healthy, social, and fun things to do is especially important for regional centres.
To lose the only squash courts in Darwin would be a tragic outcome, not only for those who play the sport, but also the wider community. When healthy outlets of energy such as squash are shut down, it leaves a void and is not a good path for a regional capital to go down.
Those who’ve played squash love it, they pass it on to their kids and playing becomes a legacy. It can’t simply be substituted with another sport, or a night at home.
I’d urge those responsible to consider the negative legacy that removing (by inaction) the only squash facility would create.
Squash is an amazing sport and it makes me sad to see that this is happening.
More people should play squash
Squash is a huge part of the NT community and without it heaps of players will have no where else to go. We are not asking for much.
Please Save Our Squash!
I used to play squash for fun then for a little more serious fun … either way it still needs to be around.
We currently have NT junior squash members who have Australian (junior) rankings and by removing the funding for the DSA it will show that this Government only cares about the more popular sports (like Soccer, AFL, NRL, Rugby League).
There is more than enough money that is collected from the racing industry (which I currently work in) due to the government fee’s and taxes that can be used to support or even relocate DSA and to keep Squash in Darwin.
It’s a Commonwealth Games sport. Imagine Darwin being the only capital city WITHOUT squash courts, what a shame job. C’mon NT Government and show us you really care about sport and rec!
Darwin Squash has been a big part of my and my son’s life for the last 12 years. I have watched children from age 4 through to elderly people come to squash to learn ball skills, play, get fit, be healthy & have good, clean fun!
Darwin squash welcomes EVERYBODY who walks through their doors and has a great sense of community spirit.
I have represented Darwin Squash in Australian Championship events & Darwin players are always received warmly by the rest of the nation.
Darwin Squash has a wonderful following of extremely talented young players & have been proving themselves to be worthy adversaries at national events for the past few years.
The Darwin Squash facility has also hosted events that have seen top squash players come from far & wide, both interstate & internationally to participate & as they love visiting Darwin so much, they return & holiday throughout the region thereby helping Darwin’s economy.
Darwin Squash has had great results in the Arafura Games for many years with the Squash team always securing gold medals & an array of silver & bronze medals.
These squash players are fantastic ambassadors for Darwin & we ought to be proud of them.
Darwin Squash has been lobbying the N.T Govt for years simply to secure a squash facility in Darwin. The lack of support from the govt is something the govt should be ashamed of & is indeed very unterritorian like.
To be the only capital city in this country without a squash centre would be a travesty for Territorian players, for visiting players, for the sport & certainly a disgrace for Darwin & the N.T.
Australians have been at the top of the world stage in squash for both men & women for years.
Any sport that holds the interest of both young & old athletes (& a lot of teenagers who remain in a healthy environment & state of mind through their association with Darwin squash), should be encouraged in every way shape & form to the enth degree.
The future of Territory Squash is strong & a new Darwin Squash Centre would ensure its success.
I trust that the Northern Territory Government will see the light in this matter & encourage existing & new players, both young & old by building the necessary centre to accommodate the needs of their fellow Territorians.
Hendo… Are you listening? The people of Darwin want to play squash. You have recently invested $66 million into Horse Racing, a sport that encourages gambling. $33 million dollars into a new Sports Complex at Palmerston and various grants to other sports at Marrara. The DSA has provided you with a Investment Proposal that shows that Squash is a finacially stable sport with a growth in membership, sunsmart sport and is highly beneficial to the Darwin Community. All these points are things that you encourage a sport to be in your own NT Gov Sport Policy. Therefore why are you stonewalling the DSA and not giving them answers? For someone who likes to talk a lot you are surprisingly quiet on this issue. You have got 4 1/2 months before the DSA membership turns their back on you and your Government.
SAVE DARWIN SQUASH
darwin squash is the funnest spot in town. schools go there partys are had there and fun is cherished there. please join us to save darwin squash courts and please dont wreck the fun. I know a kid who , since he played at the squash courts, wants to be a professional squash player. Know he has to move out of town if he wants to save his one and only dream. It costs money to build apartements so just leave the courts there so you dont have to pay for knocking it down.
Thankyou
I use to play squash when I lived in Darwin at the squash center, it was part of my life and is still part of many others. There is no other sport like it. Squash the revolution! Come on Gov, make it happen!
I have just moved to Darwin and was looking forward to being able to play squash again. The government provides millions of dollars in sports funding for cricket and footy, lets have a bit of that to save a much loved Darwin facility.
Save Our Squash!
Where would I be without Darwin Squash Centre? Spent 2 hours there every Friday arvo of last year. This is an asset Darwin cannot afford to loose! Pull your finger out NT Gov!
I have recently moved up here from SA where I enjoyed a weekly squash match and up here with this weather squash is the perfect sport and i don’t want to give it up.
Please keep Darwin Squash alive.
Squash is a loved sport all over the world. SAVE DARWIN SQUASH!
Squash is an amazing sport.Every state/Territory should have a squash centre.
So far this term we have around 80 classes booked to play squash. where would they go to continue this? The NT Gov need to do something about this because right now they’re pretty pathetic.
Please save squash in Darwin!
Squash is one of the best sports going around.
For decades squash was entirely self sufficient while other mainsteam sports had their noses in the Government trough. Now is the time for Government to support squash to the hilt.
Squash is flourishing in Darwin. We need the facilities to keep this momentum going and to build a sport that the Territory can be proud of.
Darwin Squash centre should be saved.
where will the Arafura games squash comps be held?? the hospital? we need the DSA courts!
Save Darwin Squash!
Darwin people deserve better. I’ve grown up with squash. The NT Gov must come to the rescue here. Does the ten pin bowling alley still have courts?
This vital sport, with participation from all age groups & great work with juniors, must be supported.
Squash- Darwin- Save It!
SAVE the squash court’s.
Darwin squash FTW!!!!!
Darwin Squash is awesome, I have so much fun there! Please don’t get rid of it…LOVE IT instead.
I Love Darwin Squash!
SAVE DARWIN SQUASH!!
Can’t the NT Gov. Darwin/NT at least keep existing infrastructure?
Save Darwin squash. It’s fresh idea and you’ll get a real result Paul Henderson.
Still no feedback from the Govt bean counters.!!
Is it ignorance, apathy or just plain “I Don’t Care” attitude that prevails to the extent of “No Comment”?
This mute behaviour will be remembered for a long time.
Time for some spokesman with gonads to stand up and tell us what’s planned..
Keep Darwin Squash
Of all the money that gov spends on various projects throughout the year Surely they can spare some money to save squash in the NT. Are you not going to include squash in the Arafura games any more. As a taxpayer dont we have some say in where our money goes. So much money is wasted on over governing us with all the fun police out there these days, & here you have the opportunity to help kids & adults alike with a sport that anyone can play & is one of the best sports available to beat to growing problem of obesity. Perhaps this year I will with-hold my taxes & give it straight to the sqaush centre instead the gov. At least I might get some value for money. I no who Ill be voting for if it doesnt go ahead.
Tony Innes Noonamah Tavern
Can we live with Darwin without squash courts? Could we give up the success of our juniors? The clean, healthy, all-weather activity?
The NT Gov supports all kinds of sports, squash included. But how many sports already have government-provided facilities? AFL, rugby league, rugby union, cricket, netball, soccer, athletics, swimming, tennis, basketball, judo, table tennis, motor sports, BMX, equestrian, hockey, golf, shooting, etc., etc. And now horse racing too!
All of these are important sports, and so is squash. It has survived independently in Darwin for so long, against the trend. Now it desperately needs some help. How about it, Hendo??
The Darwin Squash Centre is a family friendly, out-of-the-sun, available all year sporting venue that provides exercise and activities for hundreds or Darwin residents of all ages. Unlike other sports, if the centre disappears, we have no option but to stop playing squash. A new centre is really important to us and to see the continued success of our up and coming junior players who are already on the national stage.
Are you retarded???
Save Darwin squash
I seriously think we need a change of Government, to not support squash in the NT as abhorrant. The centre is in use 7 days a week unlike some sporting facilities at Marrara and its a way of life for me as I’ve been playing for 28 years and its the only sport I am good at. I will miss the competition and also the yearly interstate trips to represent NT in the Australian Masters, come on guys give us a break! – DO YOU NOT REMEMBER THE QUEENS MESSAGE AT CHRISTMAS! It was to do with sport, something the governing heirachy should take up.
This ridiculous NT gov, give us the funding please
C’mon cmon give us a go
Fair crack of the whip Gov.
We need sporting venues like these in Darwin out of the weather and aircond.Surely there is room in Marrara.
save the squash courts
Squash has helped save my life,I was overweight and am now back to a healthy size
Hey cmon government give us a hand, once youve helped us, unlike alot of other sports we have been self suficent.
Dear NT Government
The sport of Squash in Darwin needs your assistance.
Squash South Australia has the pleasure of sharing time and training with the many talented Juniors from the Northern Territory. Currently, the NT is punching way above its weight in Junior Squash and it would be a shame to see the future stars of Australain squash lost to the sport due to lack of a facility.
Squash SA will be assisting a country Recreation Centre in Tanunda with the building of 6 courts in early 2011. The use of ASB court technology means these courts have multi purpose possibility as the walls move. The courts can be 6 singles courts, 4 doubles courts or 3 courts and one aerobics room. I urge the NT Government to consider this option as it will make the facility more viable.
Squash is a Commonwealth Games sport and needs Australia wide faclities to keep our high standing in the sport Internationally.
NT is a real player in Australian Juniors and needs your support.
Kind regards
Des Panizza Development Officer Squash SA
I have been involved in Squash since I was 7 years of age and am now 43 years of age, so I have been playing squash for a long time. I spent 3 years in Darwin as the number one player in the NT for that period in 2002 to 2004 and it would be a tragedy to not have Squash available as a sport to allow the NT people an opportunity to participate and improve their game.
I fully support the need for courts to be built in Darwin and feel the NT have no option but to assist NT Squash and Darwin Squash in making this happen. Squash is a growing sport in many nations around the world (especially Egypt, Malaysia and England) and it would be a shame that we do not join in in this growth.
The ARAFURA Games is one of the best opportunity for locals to participate in an international event and without courts available to do this, our sport would be gone from the Games events. ARAFURA is a great event and it has grown to become a major event on the Squash Australia Calendar with the introduction of PSA/WISPA Events coinciding with the Games.
I have been fortunate over my playing career to be involved in 4 ARAFURA Games and the event is a great week of Squash and comraderie and an opportunity for all to enjoy what squash has to offer.
I, as the rest of the squash community request that the NT Govt act quickly to keep squash alive in Darwin and provide a facility to keep our sport alive.
NT and Darwin Squash community, I am right behind you, keep plugging away, yours in Squash, Craig Simmich (Q Squash Interim Administrator).
Being the proud Dad of the current Australian Age Squash champion, Rhys, does make me seem biased towards the retention of The Game and its Facilities in Darwin.
Having played Comp Squash at various levels for over 30 years, it has become a way of life, not just a casual sport.
Conservatively, 30 years approx. 40 weeks at, say $100/week equals my commitment of $120,000.. (double that to include my wife Viv.)
Rhys costs approx $20k/year for Tournaments and expenses etc. so the meagre $4m requested from NT Gov’t assistance seems paltry and mean minded when say, 400 people can benefit.Certainly any Gov’t/member/politician actively opposing or hindering this request for Help has a target on them for the next Election.
Rumours abound about vast Millions going unused and even the Interest earned on these sums being Inactive for a year makes the mind boggle.
Too much Non-Transparency and Obduracy from the Guys in control of funds and not enough action.
Twenty five years ago the NT Sports Minister Nick Dondas told a gathering of local luminaries that “we don’t build for today or tomorrow – we build for the next generation”.
It was the sod turning ceremony for the Marrara Sports Precinct which today hosts a raft of sports, including Test cricket and AFL.
No-one at that 1985 event would have imagined that the NT’s sporting prospects could come so far.
The political vision was matched by the vision of sports administrators who looked not for a qucik result, but a wothwhile result.
The NT was flogged for years in national hockey competitions, yet in time it gave rise to some of Australia’s greatest players.
Our reputation improved in all sports as each season passed.
In Rugby, League, Sports Shooting, Cricket, Tennis and more, our young Territorians were given the best possible venues and opportunities.
In Territory squash our reputation was always strong. With the world number 4 Steven Bowditch and a half dozen others who played at the highest levels interstate we were able to host Australian Championships in the early 1980s and beyond.
The sport’s appeal waned with the introduction of indoor cricket taking away many of the socially-based clubs and teams.
In time the Dashwood courts would close, followed by the Progress Drive Courts and others.
Despite the decline, it appears that numbers have held up well in recent years and a bright future lies ahead.
With the strong foundation that past performances have given Darwin Squash, it’s imperative that this strong Australian sport survive in the Top End.
It is again resurgent down south.
Technology may even work in its favour with early experimentation showing that 3D TV makes for excellent viewing of the game, which has previously struggled on the screen due to the size and colour of the ball.
It’s time then to make sure that the politicians make the correct decision and find a way for a viable new centre to be established.
While the practicalities of politics mean that you need to show what’s in it for them, they should also be reminded that their responsibility is not to win the next election, but to use their time in office to build for the next generation – just as their predecessors did.
It might pay to remind them of that the next time they use any of the Marrara facilities.
Kevin Naughton
(and I assume that your correspondent Jarrod Ashcroft is the son of the big-hitting legend Butch Ashcroft who played in Palmerston Squash Club’s first A Grade Premeiership side – if so, g’day to your Dad)
Well said Kevin Naughty,
Still got the gift of the raconteur and master of the disguised drop-shot…
Beware, anyone crossing this bloke…
Hi Kevin,
Sorry for the late reply, I told dad you said G’Day and he said for me to say hello in a manner you will no doubt be aware is only typical of my dad and the language probably not appropriate for this forum! If you wanna get in touch give the courts a call.
Squash is the only sport I enjoy playing on a regular basis. I’d be devastated to lose the only public squash facilities in Darwin, and would consider it a real black mark on the Government’s support for community sports here.
Towns and cities smaller than Darwin have Squash facilities, it will be sad not to have any in Darwin.
I have played squash in Darwin since I was very young. I watch millions of dollars get thrown at other sports even though they already have faciltiies. Squash will have none and the NTG is not willing to do anything about it. I will certainly be rememebring this when my vote gets counted in 2012.
Darwin produces some of the best junior squash players in Australia. No courts – no more junior development.
Great asset to the Darwin sporting scene and worth supporting for health, community spirit and future young players.
The Darwin Squash Club is an asset to Darwin – please support it in finding facilities.
An essential facility for the region.
I don’t understand how the Govt. can support every other sporting organisation and not the DSA. We have some fabulous Juniors coming through the ranks, is the Govt. going to sacrifice there Squash futures and for what? Not to mention the die hard Squashies that enjoy their various comps. Save Darwin Squash.
Let’s keep squash alive in the Top End!
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