Water Polo Victoria 2023 AGM launches 2023 - 2026 Strategic Plan
The Water Polo Victoria 2023 AGM was held last night at MSAC with a great representation of Clubs, Life Members and Board Members.
Four current Board Members have decided to step away having given a lot of time and energy over the last few years to the sport especially when it was needed. We say thanks to Bec Talbot, Gareth Hunter, Gianluca Rossi, and Jodie Potts. The service provided by these individuals to the sport is immeasurable, however we no doubt will still see them continue their involvement within the sport.
The AGM also saw the approval of a new constitution which was delivered through a thorough consultation process with all stakeholders. This constitution is now active and a copy can be found below and also on the website.
Water Polo Victoria was additionally able to launch its 2023 - 2026 Strategic Plan. This has also been an ongoing development process with stakeholders post COVID. The process has aligned with Water Polo Australia values to ensure we work together as a sport and engage the community.
Clubs were also on hand to collect their resources (TearsAgain & DryEars) which have been provided by BioRevive as part of the ongoing commitment to the health and well-being of our members.
With 5 positions filled the board has 4 vacancies which will be discussed at the first Board Meeting in the new year. If you would like to know more about these roles, please contact Simon Devine simon.devine@vicwaterpolo.com.au.
The AGM also provided an opportunity for Water Polo Victoria to present our 2022/2023 Annual Report which can be found at the bottom of this page.
President Tom Janoshalmi had the below words to share post AGM,
Dear Water Polo Victoria Members,
Thank you to those who were able to join our Annual General Meeting.
As we are saying good-bye to a year of challenges, opportunities and progress, we are excited to start the new year to go further.
The updated Water Polo Victoria Constitution and Strategic Plan are now in full effect.
The first part of our strategy has been to grow the sport. I am happy to report that we have reached pre-Covid membership levels. Regarding overall membership, Victoria is fourth nationally behind the “tier 1” States of NSW, QLD and WA. This is a great outcome of the efforts of the last 12 months.
We have also started focusing more on our youngest members, which is expected to take off across our State. Learn to Water Polo is a great example for this concentrated effort, with support from Water Polo Australia.
Competitiveness is primarily reflected via Nationals and related domestic and international competitions, this is where the Vic High Performance Program will deliver impact, in close collaboration with the clubs.
Affordability remains a concern of our sport. To this effect, we will work with national and State bodies to introduce special programs to help those who need financial assistance in order to fully participate.
We are proud to be an inclusive sport. We are equally excited about young kids jump into the pool and play water polo for the first time in their lives, as we are about our top athletes perform well in the Australian Water Polo League, with Phoenix.
Supporting regional Victoria better is another critical part of our definition of success. The recognition Geelong received from Federal Government made us all proud. The Tri State competition has been a great success. We will define new ways of engaging regional clubs and communities more. As a starting point, we introduced the bi-monthly Club Presidents meeting, where we openly discuss challenges and opportunities, with Water Polo Victoria as service provider.
There are many to thank for these results, and I am fortunate to serve with a serious, dedicated group of professionals that have kept our eye on the ball for the last 12 months. I would like to thank our CEO and all the board members who served over my first year especially those who are departing at this AGM. Board service is a major volunteering commitment and my colleagues have taken that commitment seriously and our organisation is better for it.
It is my privilege to serve Water Polo Victoria, and I look forward to continuing my support and counsel in the years ahead. Thank you for your partnership and the opportunity.
I wish you all Happy Holidays.
Dr Tom Janoshalmi
President and Board Chairman of Water Polo Victoria
