Water Polo WA welcomes the return of former General Manager Benjamin Haywood to resume leadership of the sport. Mr Haywood’s appointment follows the resignation and departure of current Chief Executive Officer, Lorraine Donachie. Lorraine joined the team in August 2023 following a period of high turnover. Despite her short tenure Lorraine, an independent director on the WPWA board from 2016-2018, aimed to bring stability to the WPWA office. Rebuilding the team to retain operations, competition management, club support, regional participation, and successful State Teams, Lorraine also added Social Media Marketing Coordinator, Marnie Mincham to help the sport with the strategic aim of reconnecting with our most important people, our athletes. Lorraine, resigning in January 2024 and committing to see the season through to finals, had this to share on her departure:
“…I’m excited for the future of the sport under Ben’s leadership. It has been encouraging to join steadfast WA advocates who continually and passionately turn up for this sport, time and time again, despite the challenges to all sports right now with limited facilitates and funding. I thank the WPWA team for their dedication and commitment towards furthering the sport in WA”.
Benjamin rejoins WPWA as an experienced senior sports management professional with an extensive track record in leadership, strategic planning, and governance of sporting associations. Having worked at national level sport for Federal Government Ben brings a unique understanding of governance and National and State sport organisation funding structures. A novice area for Waterpolo, Ben equally brings an extensive experience working within the Australian university sport sector.
Ben’s demonstrated track record of fostering a culture of continuous improvement built on integrity, and the ability to build consensus and relationships among executives and stakeholders helps him stand out as a leader in the Western Australian sport sector.
Join us in welcoming (back) Ben Haywood to the role of WPWA CEO formally commencing Monday 22 April 2024.
Changes on the WA Board
Other changes to leadership of water polo in WA include directors on the Board. WPWA farewells Anthony Rowbottam this coming July to pursue other Directorships. Anthony has stepped down as Chair to the Deputy Chair role, vacated after Kirsty Read’s resignation, has served several terms and the board thank his service and dedication to advancement of the sport. The Board equally thanks Kirsty for her valued service and passion for water polo in regional WA.
Sue Gliddon, an experienced national sport Chair and Director is also returning to the sport, as an appointed director earlier this month and elected by the board to replace Anthony as Chair. Sue was General Manager until April 2022 and is excited to take on the role of Chair of the Board. Sue said:
“…I would like to thank Lorraine for her leadership as CEO for Water Polo WA, wish her the best and look forward to seeing her poolside in future.
I also take this opportunity to recognise Anthony Rowbottam’s contribution to the sport in the role of Chair and he will undoubtedly be a great addition to his future boards.
The sport is entering a new era with stabilising leadership, and I eagerly anticipate the benefits this will bring our members”.
The board also acknowledges the exit of Emily Young who joined the board in November as an independent appointed Director.
Nominations are currently open (extended til Monday 25 March) for two elected director positions with an SGM to be held on Saturday 6 April. Nominations can be emailed to ceo@waterolowa.asn.au. Nomination pack pdfs are included on this page.
