Water Polo NSW is proud to announce the extension of its long-standing partnership with the City of Ryde, ensuring the Ryde Aquatic Leisure Centre (RALC) will continue as a home for water polo development and competition in New South Wales. 

Under a new five-year agreement commencing 1 January 2026, Water Polo NSW will continue to utilise RALC as a base for games, training, and pathway programs. Pool space will be provided free of charge during designated days and times, sustaining a legacy from the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games. 

The new deed was signed in September by Water Polo NSW President Lisa May and City of Ryde CEO Wayne Rylands, reaffirming the shared commitment to the growth of water polo across the state. 

Water Polo NSW President Lisa May said the agreement extension highlighted the enduring partnership between the organisation and the City of Ryde. 

“Water Polo NSW is immensely proud to continue our long-standing partnership with the City of Ryde and to call the Ryde Aquatic Leisure Centre our home. 

“This venue has not only hosted some of the most memorable moments in Australian sporting history but continues to nurture the next generation of athletes who are inspired by that legacy every time they dive into the pool. 

“We are grateful for Council’s ongoing commitment to our sport and look forward to working together to grow water polo across the state for years to come.” 

Water Polo NSW Chief Executive Officer Lucy Warhurst said the agreement renewal would help strengthen the sport’s presence and participation base across the state. 

“This renewed partnership with the City of Ryde is about more than pool time — it’s about providing opportunities for young athletes to dream big and take their first steps in a world-class environment. 

“Having a permanent home at the Ryde Aquatic Leisure Centre allows us to deliver programs that reach from grassroots to elite levels for not just players but for coaches, referees and officials, ensuring the Olympic legacy continues to flow strongly through our sport. 

“We thank the Council for their ongoing support and shared vision for a connected inclusive water polo community that champions excellence and inspires future generations.” 

The 2000 Sydney Olympics was a significant moment in time for women's water polo after a long battle for inclusion and gender equality. It was fitting that Australia, the country that had campaigned so hard, won the inaugural gold medal —an iconic moment that continues to inspire players and fans of all ages and backgrounds today and is a lasting legacy. 

Originally established in 1999 due to the 2000 Sydney Olympics, the agreement recognised RALC’s pivotal role as an Olympic venue for both men’s and women’s water polo in New South Wales.  

The renewed agreement was formally celebrated at a ceremony held at RALC on Monday 27 October. 

Water Polo NSW was represented by Director Shaun Clyne and CEO Lucy Warhurst and Ryde Water Polo Club President Megan Croake. The City of Ryde was represented by Mayor Trenton Brown and CEO Mr Rylands. 

Also attending was Ryde local and Sydney 2000 Olympic Water Polo gold medallist who scored the winning goal for the gold medal Yvette Higgins, triple Olympian and silver medallist for the Ord Minnett Aussie Stingers, Keesja Gofers and double Olympian and current Ord Minnett Aussie Sharks captain Nathan Power. 

City of Ryde Mayor Brown said the extension of the agreement was a wonderful outcome for both Council and the sport of water polo. 

“I’m delighted that this agreement with Water Polo NSW cements RALC as the premier water polo destination within the state. 

“Like many other residents, I can recall the excitement around having a major Olympic sport played in our backyard, which was magnified by our fantastic team taking out Gold in the inaugural women’s competition. 

“Since then, I have watched the international progress of both the Water Polo Australia Ord Minnett Aussie Stingers and Ord Minnett Aussie Sharks with keen interest and am thrilled that we are continuing the remarkable legacy that began in Ryde 25 years ago.” 

The partnership between Water Polo NSW and the City of Ryde continues to champion excellence in sport, foster community engagement, and preserve a proud chapter in Australia’s Olympic history.