Due to increasing concerns around the COVID-19 situation in South East NSW and persistent travel restrictions across the country, Squash Australia has today made the difficult decision to cancel the 2021 Tarra Volkswagen Australian Open scheduled in Bega, NSW on 18-21 November, 2021.
Squash Australia CEO, Robert Donaghue, said this was an extremely tough call to make, but after much consideration and out of concern for the health and safety of the squash community, the Australian Open sadly will not be held this year.
“It is a very disappointing decision as the Australian Open is a very important event on our calendar, but we need to prioritise the health and safety of all people involved,” he said.
Donaghue added that Squash Australia held off a final decision until practical to do so, but the significant concerns associated with the latest increase in COVID-19 cases in Bega and South-East NSW, together with ongoing border closures or controlled border arrangements still in place between several states, forced the organisation to regretfully announce the cancellation.
“We explored our options for as long as viable while closely monitoring the situation with COVID-19. Ultimately our responsibility is to look out for the safety of the squash community and we feel this is the right decision to make, considering the recent outbreak in Bega and the information we have today.
“We also considered how important it is to us to host an inclusive event. This has been a key aspect in every decision we made during the pandemic and it didn’t feel right not to give so many athletes a fair opportunity to participate in the Australian Open, due to travel concerns and other circumstances,” Donaghue said.
Earlier this year, the 2021 Tarra Volkswagen Australian Open had already been postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with the event originally scheduled to take place in the same location on 22-25 July 2021.
Squash Australia would like to thank once again the squash community for their patience and understanding. The organisation remains committed to working in close collaboration with State Squash Organisations and event organisers to hold events in a fair and inclusive manner whenever possible, taking into consideration the latest public health advice and ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all competitors, officials, volunteers and staff is at the forefront of every decision.