Welcome to our June newsletter! As we reflect on an incredible May filled with achievements across our development initiatives, successful governance workshops, and community milestones, we're excited to share even more updates from the Water Polo NSW community. From launching our innovative Coffee Club program to celebrating our athletes' success. Read on to discover the highlights from the past month and the exciting opportunities that lie ahead.

As I step into the role of President of Water Polo NSW, I want to begin by recognising the dedicated leadership that has guided our sport through the past two years.

On behalf of the Board and our broader community, I extend sincere thanks to Suzanne Ramke, who served as President, and Anna Gladman, who took on the role of Acting President following the last AGM. Both have been instrumental in leading WPNSW through a period of significant change.

Their steady leadership came at a time when the ship needed to be stabilised and they did just that. With clarity, commitment, and care, Suzanne and Anna helped steer the organisation through uncertainty, start to rebuild trust, and lay the groundwork for a more connected and resilient future. Thanks to their efforts, we’ve weathered the storm, and today we stand on solid ground with an excellent executive team now in place, led by our CEO, Lucy Warhurst.

We are now primed for the next chapter, and there are already strong signs of momentum. A great example is our 10% increase in membership for the Winter competition - a reflection of renewed energy across the state. We’re seeing more teams, more talent being developed, and most importantly, more players enjoying the game and building lifelong connections through our sport.

As we look ahead, I am confident that our shared focus on performance, participation, and community will continue to drive water polo forward in NSW.

A heartfelt thank you to the leadership of our clubs, all our members, and the hundreds of volunteers who make it all happen. Your ongoing support and passion are the backbone of our sport and together, we are building a thriving water polo community for generations to come.

Warm regards,
Lisa May
President, Water Polo NSW

Coaching Development - NSW Men's Talent Squad vs Singapore National Team Camp

From 19–23 May, Water Polo NSW hosted an exciting coaching development initiative alongside the NSW Men’s Talent Squad and the visiting Singapore National Team. Coaches from across the state took part in sessions focused on gameplay, set defence, XMA/XMD, and core water polo skills.

Led by a team of elite coaches - Vedran Cirkovic, Dragan Bakic, Dusan Krstic, Tim Hamill, Andrew Yanitsas, and demonstrator Aidan Roach - this initiative gave NSW coaches the chance to observe, learn, and engage in a high-performance training environment.

Special thanks to the coaches who attended: Nathan Royle, James Akhurst, Callum Hunter, Matthew Allen, Joe Penney, Peter Rolfe, and Nixon Wong. Your involvement helped make this a fantastic week of shared learning and growth.

Water Polo NSW Launches the WPNSW Coffee Club to Empower Female Coaches

Water Polo NSW is proud to announce the launch of the WPNSW Coffee Club, a brand-new initiative aimed at attracting, retaining, and developing female water polo coaches across the state.

This flexible, online program is set to run weekly on Monday evenings at 7:30 PM from 2 June to 7 July 2025, offering a unique opportunity for women in coaching to connect, grow, and be inspired - both personally and professionally.

☕ Weekly online Coffee Club conversations throughout June 2025

🎙 Hosted by Dr Damien Taylor with guest appearances from experienced WPNSW coaches

🤝 Meaningful discussions on coaching pathways, challenges, and successes

💬 Interactive Q&A sessions

🌱 Potential future mentor/mentee opportunities

🌐 A strong support network of fellow female coaches

Whether you’re new to coaching or looking to take the next step, WPNSW Coffee Club offers valuable insights and a welcoming community.

➡️ Register here: EOI - Female Coffee Club program - Water Polo NSW

READ MORE 

Governance Workshops Wrap-Up

Water Polo NSW is pleased to have delivered a four-part online governance workshop series in response to valuable feedback from our Clubs and Associations. These complimentary sessions aimed to strengthen governance practices and support committee members in their leadership roles.

Facilitated by distinguished sports governance specialist Margot Foster AM OLY, the workshops were designed to be practical, conversational, and highly engaging. Topics covered included:

• Introduction to Club and Association Governance (8 May)
• Roles and Responsibilities (22 May)
• Effective Meetings, Risk Management, and Compliance (29 May)
• Chairing, Succession Planning, and Future Development (5 June)

The final session will take place this evening, concluding what has been an informative and constructive series for all participants.

Water Polo NSW extends its thanks to all attendees for their participation and commitment to good governance.

Announcing our 2025 WPNSW Development Academy Squad! 🌟

We're thrilled to announce the athletes selected for the 2025 Development Academy Program. This comprehensive program will nurture the next generation of water polo stars, bringing together promising players from both Metro and Regional areas.

The Academy features an intensive four-month training block, followed by a focus on water polo fundamentals and technical development from May to September 2025. Our U13 and U15 athletes will benefit from specialised coaching and structured development programs tailored to their long-term growth. Our dedicated coaching team looks forward to working with these emerging talents!

VIEW LIST HERE 

We're seeking referees for our competitions. If you're interested in refereeing, becoming a referee or returning to officiating, please fill in the following EOI. 

Current referees please fill in 

WPNSW REFEREE EOI 

People + Culture Strategies Partnership

Water Polo NSW has partnered with People + Culture Strategies (PCS) as our Official People Partner. This collaboration demonstrates our commitment to creating a positive environment for our staff and the entire water polo community in NSW.

Lucy Warhurst, WPNSW CEO, highlighted that PCS's extensive experience supporting sports organisations will help create an inspirational workspace while ensuring compliance in this complex landscape.

PCS Founder & Managing Principal Joydeep Hor expressed enthusiasm about supporting the growth of water polo, praising the sport's athleticism and the passion of its players. 🤝 

READ MORE

Australian  Country Championships - NSW Country Team Wrap Up 

Throwback to our NSW Country teams for their outstanding performance at the Australian Country Championships!

Men’s Team: GOLD MEDAL CHAMPIONS

Women’s Team: SILVER MEDAL

 

Special shoutout to our amazing coaching staff - Jared Tobin, Shannon Jones, Andrea Hodges, and Clint Bryant - for their exceptional leadership and dedication! Your commitment to developing country water polo talent is truly inspiring.

 

The spirit, determination, and sportsmanship displayed by both teams exemplify the very best of NSW water polo. Well done to all players, coaches.

 

A big thank you to our referees/officials and Water Polo Queensland for hosting such a fantastic championship event and capturing all the action!

 

📊 Strong Growth for Winter Metro 2025

Water Polo NSW’s 2025 Winter Metro Competition is off to a powerful start, with 144 teams entered — a 10% increase from 2024, reflecting sustained growth and renewed momentum in the sport.

🔹 Central Coast saw a 270% increase in teams (from 3 to 11), driven by targeted junior programs
🔹 96 junior teams vs. 48 senior teams – showcasing a robust youth development pipeline
🔹 Gender balance improving: 46 girls' teams vs. 50 boys' teams at junior level
🔹 New entries include St Catherine’s School, marking continued expansion into schools and new institutions

These numbers underscore the success of strategic investment in grassroots development, regional outreach, and inclusive participation initiatives.

📈 More growth. More pathways. A stronger future for water polo in NSW.

READ MORE

🎓 Sport NSW Get on Board Scholarships 2025 - Leadership Opportunity!

Sport NSW is now accepting applications for the 2025 Get on Board Program, part of the Gender Equity and Leadership in Sport Project. This valuable program offers 25 scholarships for female and gender diverse leaders in sport to complete the AICD Governance Foundations Course and a specialised board readiness workshop.

Key Program Details:

• AICD Course: July 21-22, 2025 at Cricket Central, Sydney Olympic Park
• Board Readiness Workshop: July 29, 2025
• Applications close: June 10, 2025, 5:00pm (AEST)

Perfect for aspiring directors and those in early sports governance roles! 🌟

Learn more and apply here

Play By The Rules New Brand & Website Launch

Play by the Rules has a new logo, brand and website! Join past and present leaders of Play by the Rules to unpack our legacy promoting inclusive, safe and fair sport since 2001.

SIA then outline their new visual look and feel, show you our new website and discuss how Play by the Rules supports you to make sport inclusive, safe and fair.

Date: Wednesday 18th June
Time: 12pm AEST

REGISTER NOW 

📬 Stay Connected: We Want to Hear from You!

Got news to share? Questions on your mind? We're all ears!

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• Share your water polo stories

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We'll dive right in and get back to you as soon as possible!

Thanks for being part of our water polo community. See you poolside next month! 🤽‍♂️🤽‍♀️