Running in the family

Brothers Andreas (16) and Domenic (15) Christou were the joint-recipients of the City of Canning’s recent Achievement Grant – available to residents who have been selected to represent Western Australia or Australia as an athlete/participant in their chosen field. The pair of emerging squash stars received the funding to attend the Australian Junior Squash Championship in Ballarat, Victoria recently.  

Domenic placed third in the Under 15 Boys division, while Andreas finished in ninth place in the highly competitive Under 17 Boys division. In the team event, the pair helped Western Australia to a commendable fourth-place finish. 

Remarkably, this was the boys’ fourth national event, having travelled to a different city each year to proudly represent Western Australia — an experience that continues to be both exciting and rewarding. 

“We are very grateful to the City of Canning for its contribution towards the boys’ travel expenses,” said their mother, Lisa. “It’s been a big help.” 

Lisa explained that squash talent runs throughout the Christou family, with the boys having started playing squash at the ages of seven and six respectively. They have been racking up awards and trophies ever since.

“Squash has always been a family sport for us,” she said. “I played as a junior myself and I still play and coach. My mum, dad and brother also played, so it seems the boys have inherited the squash gene. Their younger sister, Carmela (13), also plays and represented WA last year - keeping the family tradition alive.

“The boys, along with all the juniors, thoroughly enjoy the opportunity to represent their State - not only for the competition but also for the friendships formed and experiences gained. It’s an incredible environment that encourages them to challenge themselves, learn from others, and make lasting memories both on and off court.”

To be selected for the State team, players must meet strict selection criteria throughout the year, including participation in a set number of tournaments, attendance at squad training sessions, and performance at the WA state titles. 

In 2025, Domenic won the WA State Championships (Under 15 Boys), the West Coast Open (Junior Division 2) and the Leschenault Teams Event (A Division). He also finished runner-up in the WA State Championships (Under 17 Boys section) and placed third in the WA Closed (Junior Division 1).

Andreas filled up his trophy cabinet, winning the WA State Championships (Under 19 Boys), Geraldton Open (Men’s Open Division), Geraldton Open (Junior Division 1), West Coast Open (Men’s Open Division), West Coast Open (Junior Division 1), Leschenault Teams Event (A Division) and the WA Closed (Junior Division 1) titles. 

“We’re incredibly proud of both boys and their commitment to the sport, as well as the camaraderie and sportsmanship they continue to show within the WA squash community,” says Lisa. “Squash is such a healthy and lifelong sport - fast-paced, strategic, and fantastic for overall fitness and wellbeing. It’s wonderful to see it gaining renewed recognition on the world stage, particularly with its inclusion in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. The boys are truly inspired to continue developing their game and dream big about where their passion might take them.”

The City of Canning offers two rounds of community grants per year, with successful applicants across nine categories receiving partial or full funding towards not-for-profit community-based initiatives that deliver important activities and services within Canning.

The grant categories are: Small Grants, Volunteer Grants, Achievement Grants, Welcoming and Thriving Canning Projects, Community and Cultural Events, Disability Access and Inclusion Grants, Youth Projects, Equipment Grants, and the Aboriginal Engagement/Reconciliation Grant, with some grants reaching up to $10,000.

"We encourage all community organisations and sports clubs to consider applying for grants for specific projects that will enable them to deliver positive outcomes for the Canning community," said City of Canning Mayor Patrick Hall. 

“We are proud to support initiatives that contribute to making Canning a safer, more inclusive and vibrant community.”

To find out more about the City of Canning’s available grants and the grant guidelines, please visit the City’s Community Grants page: www.canning.wa.gov.au/city-services/community-grants-program/