Volunteering is rewarding work for Rosemary Lord

This National Volunteer Week (NVW) Squash Australia is celebrating the hard work of its dedicated volunteers. The contribution of volunteers week in and week out to our sport helps the sport continue to grow from the grassroots right through to the elite. 

Southern Region Squash’s Secretary and Tournament Director Rosemary Lord is one of those volunteers. In 2019 Rosemary was awarded the Volunteer of the Year award for her hard work and dedication to the squash community.

Rosemary began volunteering to support the sport her children were involved in. 

“I have been able to make a lot of friendships through volunteering but the biggest reward has been watching the kids enjoy the sport,” Rosemary said. 

Volunteering as tournament director has assisted Rosemary in developing her event and project management skills. 

The southern region is a big area and the clubs are very spread out. Now that Australia is returning to a post-COVID normal, Rosemary and the region are in a rebuilding phase.

“We have created some junior and coaching programs to help introduce new participants to the sport,” she said. 

Rosemary works as a swim teacher at Palm Beach Aquatic centre and said that you need to work hard to find a balance between volunteering and working. 

“I do encourage everyone to get involved and have a go because the satisfaction of being able to help provide your kids and community with sports tournaments and events is a reward in itself,” Rosemary said. 

Squash Australia would like to thank all volunteers from officials, coaches, club administrators and many others who have helped make Squash thrive across Australia