Water Polo NSW
DECEMBER EDITION

Welcome to the December 2024 Water Polo NSW Newsletter! 🤽‍♀️

As we wrap up another incredible year of water polo, we're excited to share our latest achievements, upcoming events, and community highlights. From our recent Super League Grand Finals to the success of our Junior Country Championships, this newsletter celebrates the vibrant spirit of our water polo community.

Inside, you'll find important updates about our upcoming Country Clubs Championships, the Water Polo NSW office closure for Christmas, and essential announcements that will keep you informed and connected as we head into 2025.

🌟 Latest Announcements & Opportunities

2024 Annual General Meeting Update

The 2024 Water Polo NSW (WPNSW) Annual General Meeting (AGM) was held on Saturday 30 November. Thank you to everyone who attended either in-person or virtually.

At the AGM, the 2023/24 Annual Report was presented by the WPNSW board. Click HERE to view.

Congratulations to Brendan Fannin, Noel Harrod, and Shannan Johansen who were elected to the WPNSW Board.

We would like to say a special thank you  to the directors who completed their time on the Board at the 2024 AGM. Suzanne Ramke the outgoing President, Luke Bouris outgoing Vice President, Chris Shaw who finished his maximum term on the Board, Emma Gould elected dirctor and Shaun McEachin appointed director. We thank them all for their outstanding service to our sport.

Sport Development Resources

 

Fundraising in Sport for Clubs and Individuals – Australian Sports Foundation

If you want to know more about this new partnership and club revenue raising through tax free donations including ‘what the ASF means, what the ASF partnership with RevSport means, how it will work, and basic FAQ please email enquiries@waterpolonsw.org.au and we will arrange a representative from RevSport to run an online workshop for our affiliated Clubs and Associations. To get you started see below resource opportunity.

  • Watch a comprehensive Sports Fundraising 101 webinar to learn about tax-deductible fundraising strategies and online campaign management WATCH NOW

The Australian Sports Commission (ASC) is working with researchers to better understand the costs involved in delivering and playing community sport. The ASC is inviting clubs and participants and their families to participate in a short online survey to understand the total costs to deliver and participate in sport. The survey will take approximately 15 minutes to complete and closes at 5pm Tuesday 31 December 2024.

  • Important: Complete the Cost of Sport Survey through Office of Sport - your feedback helps shape the future of sports accessibility MORE INFO
🏆 Super League Grand Final Weekend
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The weekend of November 29th - December 1st Water Polo NSW hosted our Super League Grand Finals. The competition demonstrated the exceptional calibre of water polo in NSW, serving as perfect preparation for the upcoming Australian Water Polo League (AWL) season.

Championship Results:

Women's Division

🥇 UTS Balmain Tigers 

🥈 Drummoyne 

🥉 Sydney University Lions 

Men's Division

🥇 UNSW Wests Magpies

🥈 Cronulla Sharks 

🥉 Sydney University Lions 

Special Recognition

Water Polo NSW was also fortunate to have the Head Coaches of the Ord Minnett Aussie Sharks and Stingers, Tim Hamill and Rebecca Rippon in attendance to present the Most Valuable Player Awards for the Men's and Women's Competition. Congratulations to the following players:

  • Pat Jones Award: Olivia Mitchell (UTS Balmain Tigers) 
  • David Woods Award: Jarrod Gilchrist (UNSW Wests Magpies) 

  

🏊‍♂️ Junior Country Championships Recap

November's Junior Country Club Championships in Newcastle was a remarkable showcase of emerging talent, featuring 33 teams across three age divisions. The event highlighted the continued growth and the bright future of water polo in NSW's regional areas.

Championship Winners:

  • U14 Boys: Bar in Barracudas 
  • U14 Girls: Lake Macquarie 
  • U16 Boys: Central Newcastle 
  • U16 Girls: Central Newcastle Blue 
  • U18 Boys: Central Newcastle 
  • U18 Girls: Central Newcastle 

A huge thank you must also be given to our Head Delegate Gail Salter for her tremendous work supporting and mentoring our referees for the tournament. Additionally, thank you to the tireless volunteers from the Central Newcastle Water Polo Club who assisted with the running of the event.

🎯 Upcoming Events & Important Dates

WPNSW State Championships - Just 3 Days Away!🎉

We're getting super excited to kick off this amazing event! 🌟 Join us across three venues:

🏊‍♂️ Sydney Olympic Park

🏫 Pymble Ladies' College

🌊 Auburn Ruth Everuss Aquatic Centre

Can't wait to see all our amazing athletes, coaches, and supporters! Get ready for some incredible water polo action! 💪🔥

WPNSW Country Clubs Championships 2025

Get ready for an exciting weekend of competitive water polo!

📆 Dates: January 24-26, 2025

📍 Location: Peninsula Leisure Centre, Woy Woy

⚠️ Important: Team entries close December 16th

🎯 Register now to represent your club against NSW's finest

News

Vale Bruce Connor - A Life Dedicated to Water Polo

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Bruce Connor, a legendary figure in NSW water polo whose contributions spanned over 50 years. Bruce's journey began at age nine at Liverpool Water Polo Club and evolved into a lifetime of dedication to the sport.

read more >
News

In Memoriam: Judy Woods

It is with deep sadness that we share the news of the passing of Judy Woods, a beloved figure in the NSW water polo community. Judy, wife of dual Olympian Dave Woods, was an integral part of the water polo family for decades.

read more >
News

Spotlight: Chris Shaw's Legacy in Water Polo NSW

As we bid farewell to one of our most dedicated board members, we celebrate Chris Shaw's remarkable journey from rugby player to water polo enthusiast and leader. Starting as a supportive parent, Chris's involvement grew to shape WPNSW's development significantly.

read more >
In The News
📅 WPNSW Office Closure for Christmas & Competition Break Schedule
  section 6
 

Office Closure 

The Water Polo NSW office will be closed from Monday 23rd December to Friday 3rd  January 2025. the office will re-open in the new year on Monday 6th January 2025. 

Competition Break:

Metro Division 2:

  • Men's: Breaks December 10th, Returns January 28th
  • Women's: Breaks December 11th, Returns January 29th

Junior Metro:

  • Breaks December 8th, Returns February 2nd

Division 1:

  • Breaks December 14th, Returns February 1st
A Message From The CEO
  section 7
 

Dear Water Polo NSW Family,

As the year draws to a close, I’d like to take a moment to reflect on the incredible year we’ve had together and extend my heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you who make up this vibrant community.

2024 has been a year of resilience, camaraderie, and achievement. From thrilling competitions to the tireless efforts behind the scenes of our volunteers, we’ve witnessed the passion and dedication that makes water polo in New South Wales truly exceptional. Whether you're a player, coach, official, volunteer, or supporter, your contributions are the backbone of our sport.

This year, we’ve celebrated many milestones, grown as an organisation, and built a stronger sense of connection among our clubs, associations and our members. These achievements are a testament to the hard work and shared love for the game that unite us all.

As we head into the festive season, I encourage you to take this time to relax, recharge, and spend precious time with your family and friends. Let’s also take a moment to celebrate our collective wins and look forward to another exciting year for water polo in NSW in 2025. 

On behalf of Water Polo NSW, I wish you a joyful and safe Christmas and a New Year filled with happiness, health, and success in and out of the pool. I can’t wait to see what we will achieve together in the year ahead.

Regards in Water Polo,

Lucy 

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