29.04.2013

In the few months since my last post there has been plenty going on behind the scenes at Water Polo Australia.

Last week we were able to launch our new brand and corporate identity that was coupled with a fresh new look for our website. It is an exciting new chapter for our sport

The rebranding came as part of our transition from Australian Water Polo Inc. to Water Polo Australia Limited and these changes have created an opportunity for us to enter a new era and to ensure continued growth and success.

We should be proud of our brand and new identity and I’d like to thank all of those people that have been involved in what has been a long process. Particular thanks must go to the State associations, Southern Design, Kirsten Thompson and Sporting Pulse.

I for one think the new logo and website look great and am looking forward to assisting the sport grow with it.

Earlier in April we received word that we were one of the big winners in the Australian Sports Commission’s (ASC) ‘Australia’s Winning Edge’ government investment allocations for 2013-14 with an increase of 21.5% on last year’s funding. 

The increased money was just reward for performances at the London Olympics and some positive program enhancements since, plus the sport’s vastly improved governance structures.

WPA has been allocated $3,171,000 and we are very grateful to the ASC and the Australian Government for the funds.

As a sport we’re determined to continually review and improve all areas of business and that includes attracting greater levels of funding. One of the ongoing goals for WPA is to seek parity in funding with other team sports with similar high performance results.

Congratulations to Tom Hill for the hard work he put into the submission for the funding.

Our new National men’s coach Elvis Fatovic has arrived and has been working hard to get around and assess our various SIS/SAS programs, as well as speak with our senior male players. Elvis held a great camp in Adelaide before the All Stars game recently and from all reports was very happy with the week. You can read more about his thoughts here http://www.waterpoloaustralia.com.au/news-media/news/news-article/article/2013/april/the-extra-man-an-in-depth-chat-with-our-aussie-elvis/

In the pool we have seen the North team win their second consecutive men’s All Star game and the South match that feat in the women’s game. Well done to both of the victorious squads.

In the 14 & Under National Club Championships, which were played in different cities for the first time, UNSW Wests beat Melville Sharks in an exciting penalty shootout for the boy's gold medal, whilst Drummoyne Red were too strong for All Hallows in the girl’s.

The 18 & Under National Club Championships were on last week and they were won by Sydney Northern Beaches over Hunter Hurricanes in the girl’s and Sydney Uni Blue in the boy’s.

Congratulations to all the teams that played, particularly the winners and a big thank you to the States – Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia and the ACT - that hosted the various championships.

Last but not least, congratulations to all the teams that have qualified for the National Water Polo League finals. This year was one of the most exciting years on record with every club still a chance of making either the men’s or women’s finals a week or so out from the end of the preliminary rounds.

Special mention must go to the Victorian Tigers men’s team who went through the rounds undefeated.

Best of luck to all teams at Ryde Aquatic Centre in the finals this week too!

Until next time, I hope you score some goals.

Chris Harrison

 

Past editions of CEO Corner

March 2013 (No CEO Corner)

February 2013

January 2013 (No CEO Corner)

December 2012 (No CEO Corner)

November 2012 (No CEO Corner)

October 2012

September 2012 (No CEO Corner)

August 2012 (No CEO Corner)

July 2012