December 2023 message from the CEO Lucy Warhurst

I stepped into the role of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for Water Polo NSW (WPNSW) on November 6, 2023. Upon being briefed about the areas that need improvements, and challenges that need to be tackled, I decided to commit and to dive in headfirst. As the team can confirm, I am full steam ahead and I am enjoying being a part of the amazing community already.

My whole life I have loved facing challenges. I was drawn to the leadership position with WPNSW to work with the board and the community , to make a true difference, and to continue the success the WPNSW community has had to date. I am a people-people style leader and I believe WPNSW biggest asset is our 'people'. I know in my short time there are more great people out there that WPNSW needs to tap into for a brighter future for all.

In my first 40 days as CEO, I have tried to meet as many of you as possible, and if we have not met yet, I look forward to doing so in 2024. What I have seen to date is nothing but a wonderful community, who have great enthusiasm for water polo. I have discovered that there is a theme in my conversations, from regional to metro, participation to pathways, schools to clubs and associations, and that is people want leadership to take water polo in NSW to new heights and bring the community together for a sustainable and thriving future for the sport. I believe to provide you with the best platform possible to enjoy our sport, we will need to innovate, to make changes, and do some things differently so we can evolve and stay relevant.

Values are important to me, and the values and principles of WPNSW resonate with me. The directors on the board, and the staff in the office, are all on the same page with where we need to head for success. For me, a high performing organisation is about a collection of daily behaviours of being the best you can possibly be. Leading with integrity is important and we are all equally accountable to each other. Living and breathing positive behaviours and our values is critical. I would like to ask eveyone in our community to collaborate with me for our best future together.

Please join me in thanking our sponsors and partners for their continued support including NSW Office of Sport, Valour, Kap7, Water Polo Australia, NSWIS, ACPE and Macquarie Sports. 

Wishing everyone in Water Polo in NSW, and the wider network of your family and friends, a safe and joyful holiday period. If you are driving on the roads, please be safe.

The team and I look forward to what 2024 brings for us all.

Warm regards,

Lucy Warhurst