What’s happening?
More than 65 players from across Central Queensland will take to the courts this weekend for the Rockhampton Squash Open at Scottvale Park Squash Club. Juniors will compete for vital state rankings while open divisions battle for competitive honours.
The tournament begins at 9am on Saturday, 16 August, with finals scheduled from 1pm on Sunday, 17 August, at the club’s venue on 271 Richardson Road, Kawana.
Why it matters
The Rockhampton Squash Open is not just about competition. It boosts tourism, supports local businesses, encourages active lifestyles, and strengthens community connections. It also provides young squash players with a clear pathway to higher levels of the sport, including the chance to represent Queensland and potentially Australia in the future.
With squash set to make its debut at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, the event offers rising junior players a stepping stone toward the highest level of competition.
Local Impact
Rockhampton Regional Council has provided $2,000 through its Community Assistance Program to support the event. Deputy Mayor and Communities Culture and Heritage Councillor Drew Wickerson said Council is proud to assist in creating opportunities for both junior and senior players.
“We commend Scottvale Squash Club on staging this event and we are proud to support them in creating competition and opportunities for junior and senior squash players from Rockhampton and throughout Central Queensland,” Cr Wickerson said.
“Not only will the tournament support increased visitation and support for businesses in our city, it also promotes active lifestyles, supports the health and wellbeing of players, and fosters stronger community connections.”
Divisional Councillor Marika Taylor also praised the club’s dedication to providing quality facilities for players now and in the future.
“With squash making its debut in the Olympic Games in Los Angeles in 2028, rising junior squash players have the very real opportunity to take their sport to the highest level – the sky is the limit,” Cr Taylor said.
By the numbers
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$2,000 – Provided by Rockhampton Regional Council through the Community Assistance Program to help stage a high-quality tournament that attracts players from across the region.
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65+ – Competitors travelling from Rockhampton, Gladstone, Bundaberg, and other Central Queensland locations to take part in the event.
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7 to 70+ – The age range of Scottvale Park Squash Club members, showing the sport’s accessibility and appeal across generations.
Zoom in
Scottvale Park Squash Club President Dan Diplock said the Rockhampton Squash Open is part of a nationwide calendar of competitive events, giving players opportunities to compete across Queensland.
“The funding from Council assists us to provide a high-quality event which can attract players from other centres,” Mr Diplock said.
“From Rockhampton alone we have a number of Queensland ranked junior players and an Australian representative in the 35–40 year age group, and Gladstone and Bundaberg also have several highly ranked juniors coming to the event.
“The junior event will help juniors improve their state ranking and increase their chances of being selected to represent Queensland on the State team.”
Mr Diplock added that squash is a sport that can be played regardless of weather and offers great exercise for all ages. “We have members ranging from 7 to 70 plus,” he said.
Zoom out
The tournament is part of the broader efforts of community-based sport to build pathways for athletes and strengthen local engagement. Events like the Rockhampton Squash Open encourage participation from grassroots to elite levels while keeping the sport accessible to all.
The Community Assistance Program plays a role in enhancing the region’s well-being by supporting non-profit organisations to deliver events that benefit the community.
What to look for next
Keep an eye on junior players from Rockhampton and other Central Queensland centres as they aim for state team selection and set their sights on the Olympic stage in the years ahead.
