So there was a small gathering over in Brisbane on Saturday 25 November 2023. Just kidding – it was the Squash Australia night of nights!! 🤩🤩🤩
You may have heard that Western Australia did extremely well on the night, coming away with not two, not three, not four….but SIX awards!!
While we’re excited to include all six categories in the one post, we feel that each one deserves its very own moment in the spotlight, so here’s Episode 1: Paul Vear Administrator of the Year – Leigh-Anne Kaye!
In her role as General Manager, Leigh is a pivotal force within the squash community. After working tirelessly as a volunteer and Board Member, she saw the opportunity to drive the strategic and operational changes to take squash into the modern age. With significant contributions from the past and present workforce, Leigh has increased core funding, secured a home for squash in WA with the purchase of a new state facility, coordinates the centre upgrades, and is working with the WA state government to finalise a case study for a new purpose built 12-court facility. Leigh is also a key contributor to Squash Australia, sitting on multiple working teams and continues to develop and embed the Squash WA Strategic Plan. Leigh’s unwavering passion and drive, paired with her significant achievements, are nothing short of extraordinary.
Accepting the award, Leigh modestly reflected, “Thank you to our clubs, our board and our amazing volunteer base who have all helped us achieve our goals and made all this possible. Without the support of Squash Australia, the past and present staff in our office, volunteers and community, we would not be where we are now. Taking these awards back to WA just shows that the community’s hard work is paying off and that we are the state of choice this year.”
Stay tuned for Episode 2: Ted Barlow State/Territory of the Year – Western Australia! There will also be a full write up in the next edition of the SWAN.