Leanne Barnes receives Queen’s Birthday honours

Water Polo Australia (WPA) congratulates Leanne Barnes OAM, who was recognised in the 2019 Queen's Birthday honours for her services to water polo.

Barnes is a member of the WPA Hall of Fame (inducted in 2011) and has served the sport as a national player, coach and manager as well as board director and committee member.

A medal of the order of Australia award is now among her list of many accolades.

The former Australian team manager was a key driver within Australia and internationally for the inclusion of women’s water polo at the Olympic Games. Barnes’ passion and sacrifice would prove fruitful as Australia won the very first women’s water polo Olympic gold medal at the Sydney Games.

Barnes has been an advocate for water polo at all levels, serving on state, national and international committees. She is the current Chair of the Water Polo Australia Hall of Fame Induction Committee.

Water Polo Australia CEO Joelie Chisholm said Barnes was a deserving honours recipient.

“Leanne has devoted her life to water polo, and her dedication, particularly to women’s water polo changed the course of our sport for the better,” Chisholm said.  

“We congratulate Leanne on this wonderful and well-deserved achievement,” she said.