The 2026 Water Polo Australia (WPA) Annual General Meeting (AGM) was held on Wednesday 11 November, with members re-electing one director and welcoming another to the WPA Board.
At the AGM, the 2025/26 Annual Report was presented to members by the WPA Board. (Read the Annual Report here.)
Reflecting on the year that has been, WPA President Trent Birkett said he is proud of the growth the organisation has continued to make.
“This year has been defined by the continued progress against our strategic ambitions, the successful delivery of a landmark event for our sport on home soil, and the commitment of the athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers, clubs and members who continue to drive water polo forward across Australia.
“One of the standout achievements of the year was the work done to secure, prepare and deliver the 2026 World Aquatics World Cup Finals, held in Sydney. It was the first time a world-class aquatics event of this scale returned to Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre since that golden moment at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games.
“The work put in by the Water Polo Australia team to prepare and deliver an event of this calibre was phenomenal and set us up for what was a landmark moment for our sport.
“I want to acknowledge the team behind the scenes, who worked tirelessly to bring this opportunity to life for our sport,” he said.
At the AGM, Stuart Coventry was re-elected to the WPA Board of Directors, having first been elected in November 2023. Coventry has more than 25 years of experience in sport and entertainment. He was previously CEO of the Melbourne Renegades for seven years, COO and acting CEO of Basketball Australia, and COO of Crusty Demons.
Professor Regina Crameri GAICD, PhD, BAppSc was also elected onto the Board. Her background includes chairing the Defence Science Institute, serving as Director of the PBG Foundation, and acting as CEO and Executive Director of RAXSSI. She also has spent three years as a member of WPA’s Governance, Risk and Integrity Committee.
