2020 Water Polo AGM

Water Polo Australia today held the 2020 Annual General Meeting (AGM), the first time in the sport’s history that the meeting was held virtually as to cater for current COVID-19 restrictions in place.

The Board presented to the membership the 2019-2020 Annual Report, that highlighted the success the organisation achieved throughout the reporting period. Click here.

Most notably the organisation once again delivered its second consecutive year of a surplus of $0.3 million, with an additional $1.1million in tagged or dedicated high performance reserves to be carried forward to support the Tokyo Olympic Games campaign that was delayed by 12 months. 

The Board acknowledged the huge pressures the sport has faced due to COVID-19. The impact on community sport has been significant with the State Associations and Clubs showing great leadership to be able to adapt to ensure that, where possible, water polo could be delivered in a safe environment.

A special mention was made of the Aussie Stingers and KAP7 Aussie Sharks, whose lives were turned upside down when the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games were delayed for 12 months due to COVID-19.  Australian team members from both squads have shown true resilience during these difficult times and have adapted to ensure that their Olympic preparations can carry on.

During the past year the WPA Board has led the development of the new national strategic framework, working hand in hand with the National Steering Committee and respective State Steering Committees.  The outcome is one strategic framework to guide the whole sport over the next decade, a first for water polo in Australia.  Click here of the national strategic framework.

The Board also acknowledged and thanked outgoing CEO Joelie Chisholm, who was required to step down from her role to put her family first and relocate to the UK.  They also thanked outgoing COO Cara O’Neil, who worked tirelessly to put Water Polo Australia into a strong financial position.

From the vote held for the WPA Board, the outcome was the following Directors elected:

• Trent Birkett (1 year term)
• John Whitehouse (3 year term)
• Kay Copeland (3 year term)
• Don Cameron (2 year term)
• Greg Turner (2 year term)
• Rick Hooper (1 year term)

On the 3rd of December 2020, the WPA Board will meet to elect the President, with the first full Board meeting to take place on 12 December.