25 Years and Counting: Volunteer of the Year Michelle Rowles

This week marks National Volunteers Week (18-24 May 2026), Australia's largest annual celebration of volunteering, a crucial time to recognise the people who are the backbone of our sport across the country.

Volunteers are vital for keeping communities strong and ensuring sport thrives at every level. In the squash community, Michelle Rowles volunteering efforts earned her the ‘Volunteer of the Year’ award at this year's Squash Australia Annual Awards night.

With over 25 years of experience in the volunteering arena, Rowles shows no sign of slowing down.

Her initial gateway into volunteering was through organising a group of friends for a tournament and captained pennant teams.

“In 2008, I became Secretary to the Victorian Masters Squash Association and in 2015, Secretary to the Australian Masters Squash Associations, positions I still hold today.”

Michelle's initial connection to the squash community was through her husband. Prior to this, she had never played a racquet sport before.

Fast forward to today, Rowles plays for two clubs including Western Squash & Racquetball for Masters and on the club circuit for MCC Squash.

Unable to single out a favourite aspect of volunteering, she loves being involved. If she had to pick, she enjoys organising ‘Fun Between’.

“It is held on a Thursday night in between pennant seasons.  I usually attract up to 20 players from WSRC and surrounding clubs and we play musical courts until we drop and then everyone sits down at one big long table to have dinner (that I have prepared during the day). 

“It just makes me so happy to see the camaraderie and the smiles on everyone’s faces,” she said.

A highlight in her volunteering efforts has also included being a part of the Squash Australian Open over the last two years.

Being a part of each event and seeing the joy of the competitors, officials and spectators is the most satisfying part of being a volunteer for the 2026 Volunteer of the Year Award recipient.

Supporting and getting others involved in squash is something she is keen on assisting with.

“I am keen to see the sport grow and change as the demographic of our players change,”she said.

“The squash community is like one big family, I feel very honoured and privileged to be a part of that family.

“It is a fantastic sport to be involved in and it is a wonderful opportunity to meet new people,” she said.

Rowles is extremely passionate about squash, she believes that once people start playing, they will get hooked and love it for life.

Volunteer with Squash Australia

Volunteers are the heart of squash. Whether it is keeping the courts safe, helping fans find their seats, guiding players behind the scenes, or setting the stage for major events like the Squash Australian Open and the World Squash Masters Championships, volunteers play a vital role in every part of the squash experience.

Find out more about volunteering here.