BILL JONES AWARDED LIFE MEMBERSHIP AT 2022 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

The Water Polo Australia (WPA) 2022 Annual General Meeting (AGM) was on Saturday 19 November, where the WPA Board presented the 2021-22 Annual Report - click here

The AGM also saw Don Cameron reappointed to the WPA Board for a three year term, along with new Board member Lisa Lilleyman (3-year term).

Lilleyman joins the WPA Board with an extensive background working in sport having served in senior management and Board positions at the Australian Olympic Committee, Royal Life Saving WA and Red Balloon New Zealand.

The AGM also saw William R ‘Bill’ Jones awarded Life Membership. Bill has been a long time supporter of water polo in Australia, his association with the sport dating back to the 1950s. 

Bill’s involvement started as a player, as part of the Bondi 1st Grade team that won 10 consecutive NSW premierships in the 1950s and 1960s.

Following his player career, Bill continued to stay involved in the sport, stepping into the management side and assuming the position of Water Polo NSW President in 1983, a role which he held for the following five years.

He then stepped into the role of Vice President at Australian Water Polo, before becoming the President in 1993. During his tenure, Bill was integral to the inclusion of women’s water polo on the Olympic program, and a terrific supporter of the Australian Women’s Water Polo team.

Bill also had a close association with the men’s program, serving as Team Manager for the Atlanta 1996 Olympic Games cycle.

At the Board Meeting on 25 November, Trent Birkett was re-elected as Chair and Susie Smith was re-appointed as an Appointed Director for another two years.