Squash Australia president John Holland said Clare managed to attract 450 spectators to the finals of the 2008 event, where Adelaide had only 150 spectators the last time it was hosted in the city.

“And in 1999, at the Thebarton Theatre, they only managed to get about 400 spectators, so well done to Clare,” Mr Holland said.

Mr Holland was a guest at a mayoral reception on June 9 celebrating Clare’s success with the Australian Open Squash Championships in 2007 and 2008, and the launch of the 2009 competition.

Clare and Gilbert Valleys Mayor Allan Aughey spoke of his excitement about the success of the Australian Open Squash Championships in recent years, which had been brilliantly organised by the Clare Squash Club.

“For two consecutive years it has been an undertaking of national and international interest,” Mr Aughey said.

He praised the excellent facilities of the Valleys Lifestyle Centre and its management and staff, which had contributed, to attracting the event to the district.

Mr Holland agreed, and said that without the facility at the Valleys, Squash Australia would have struggled to run the Australian Open.

“We looked at other venues in Adelaide, but this (the Valleys) scored more points. And the Clare Squash Club have done a fantastic job.”

The 2009 Australian Open will be held at the Valleys Lifestyle Centre, Clare from July 14-19.