Darwin Squash

The annual Fraser Memorial Doubles is held in memory of Mary and Warren Fraser who were tragically killed in India whilst on holidays in 1998.  Mary and Warren were both keen squash players and dedicated to furthering squash in Darwin.  Squash was a big part of their lives and both their sons, Nathan and Dylan, were promising junior players.  Each year the winning team is photographed beside the dedication plaque in the Garden and their names placed on the Perpetual Trophy which is displayed at the Centre.

History

1974 Mary and baby Nathan sheltered at McMillans Road Squash Centre from Cyclone Tracey, evacuated south soon after.

Warren first played for the Mets who were a squash team formed by fellow employees who worked at the Bureau of Meteorology.

They were based at the Darwin Workers Club in the city.

1981/82 Warren commenced playing for the Palmerston Squash Club which had just based themselves at the McMillans Road Squash Centre.

1982 Mary was playing in a daytime competition at Squashworld (Tenpin Bowling Centre), Nightcliff.
1983 Warren and Mary started to attend Wednesday and Friday morning training sessions at McMillans Road Squash Centre.

Soon after Mary joined Nightcliff Squash Club and played Women’s B Grade in the night time competition. Later progressing to A1 and State Grade.

1984 Mary was elected to the Nightcliff Committee and took on the position of Social Coordinator. She held this role for 10 years. Warren was elected to the Palmerston Committee and was also involved in many aspects of running of the Club.

1986/87 Mary started work at the McMillans Road Squash Centre. She soon became heavily involved with the Saturday morning junior program.

1988/89 Mary completed her Level 1 Coaching.

Mary received Life Membership with Nightcliff Squash Club.

1993 Mary ceased working for the Centre and took up a position as an Auxiliary Officer with the NT Police. Warren was still with the Bureau of Meteorology, and heavily involved with Masters Aussie Rules Football.

1994 saw the closure of the McMillans Road Squash Centre, 20 years after Cyclone Tracey.

1997 the Centre re-opened with Warren, Mary and many other members assisting with maintenance, gardening, painting, etc., to bring the building back to its original state.

The annual event is held in memory of Mary and Warren Fraser who were tragically killed in India whilst on holidays in 1998.  Mary and Warren were both keen squash players and dedicated to furthering squash in Darwin.  Squash was a big part of their lives and both their sons, Nathan and Dylan, were promising junior players.  Each year the winning team is photographed beside the dedication plaque in the Garden and their names placed on the Perpetual Trophy which is displayed at the Centre.

Warren and Mary were loyal supporters, tireless volunteers and great ambassadors for squash in the Northern Territory