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Water Polo Loses one of the Greats

Sydney (9 October 2007) One of the greats of Australian Water Polo, former National Women’s team vice-captain Cathy Parkes passed away in Sydney on Monday (8/10) after a long illness.

Parkes was an outstanding centre-forward/utility. She played in the National Team from 1978-86 and was vice-captain of Australia’s gold medal winning teams at the 1984 World Cup in Los Angeles, and the 1986 World Championships in Madrid.

She commenced her career with the Sydney University club in 1973 and played in 14 consecutive Sydney L1 premiership teams through the ‘70’s and ‘80’s. She then started the Dolphins club in Sydney’s southern suburbs.

A physical education high school teacher, Parkes moved into the private school system in the late ‘80’s after being appointed to the Danebank School at Hurstville. In 1990 she established the Independent Schoolgirls Competition and it has grown to be a major Sydney-wide Saturday morning water polo event.

She was also integral in the Combined Independent Schools, Combined High Schools and Combined Catholic Colleges joining to establish a combined NSW All Schools team that now competes at National level.

Apart from representing Australia with distinction, Parkes played for NSW for ten years (1977-1986 - she was captain 1978-86); is member of the NSWIS Hall of Fame; and was also awarded the Order of Australia Medal for her services to Water Polo.

In March 2007 she organised the inaugural capitation luncheon of Australian senior women’s National Team representatives in Sydney. The event was a huge success.

With her passing, the sport of Water Polo has lost one of its most endearing and selfless personalities, and a great leader amongst her peers.

Cathy Parkes was 52. She is survived by her husband Chris and two sons, Ben and Michael.

A memorial service to celebrate her life will be held behind Wanda SLSC at 11am on Monday 15th October. As was Cathy’s wish, please do not send flowers but donate to the Jane McGrath Foundation. She also wanted those in attendance to dress casually and to wear something pink.

Ian Trent

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