When Ballina lost its squash courts in 2024, Northern Rivers Squash Club president Ryan Beavis admits he briefly tried moving on.

Like many former players, he even gave pickleball a go.

But it was never quite the same.

“Pickleball just doesn’t have the same pace and challenge as squash,” he said.

“So I’m stoked to have squash back.”

Now, less than two years after the closure of the old Norton Street courts, Ballina’s squash community has officially opened a remarkable new international-standard glass court complex in the airport industrial estate.

A big crowd turned out for the official opening this weekend, with exhibition matches, social games and a barbecue celebrating what many described as an extraordinary community achievement.

Rather than simply letting the sport fade away, a small group of determined local players decided to rebuild from scratch.

Fortunately for the club, several members also happened to possess exactly the skills needed to make it happen.

Mr Beavis is a structural engineer. Other members brought expertise in planning, glazing, construction and business, while supporters helped finance and lease the facility.

The result is the Ascot Rd complex is the only such facility in regional Australia featuring this level of international-standard glass squash court.

The courts contain more than 12 tonnes of glass and took months of volunteer work to assemble.

Councillor Therese Crollick was among the crowd attending the official opening, alongside players, families, sponsors and visiting squash enthusiasts.

“We basically had a core group of about eight volunteers, and we had three months of weekends putting them together,” Mr Beavis said.

From frustration to revival

The loss of the old courts initially left local players scrambling for places to compete.

The club unsuccessfully lobbied councils and sporting organisations across the Northern Rivers before finally securing a lease in Ballina’s industrial estate.

Despite going from four courts down to two, the club has actually gained members since the closure.

“We’ve lost courts and gained members,” Mr Beavis said.

The new facility is already attracting visitors from outside the region.

“We’ve already had people down from the Gold Coast that have purely made the trip to come play squash,” he said.

Ryan Beavis (right) with fellow club member and squash enthusiast Jawad Mazhar

And while pickleball has boomed in popularity, Mr Beavis believes some players may eventually make the switch.

“We may even attract some pickleball players across to play,” he said.

For Ballina’s squash community, the opening was about more than sport.

It was proof that sometimes refusing to give up can pay off.