NEW FACES AT WATER POLO QUEENSLAND 

2019 has seen changes to the Water Polo Queensland (WPQ) staff roster.  

Simon Daley 

In January we welcomed distinguished coach and talent coordinator Simon Daley. His role as Head Coach of the Junior Talent Program (JTP) is a new position to accommodate the new JTP initiative. 
Previous Coaching and Athlete Development Officer Mel Rippon has advanced within Water Polo to take the role of NSWIS Talent & Pathways Coach at NSW Institute of Sport. With this change and the movement of the JTP program in its infancy, Simon has also begun to oversee the State Team Program. Simon has vast experience as an international water polo player, elite coach, and mentor. His expertise will be invaluable in planning for the future success of WPQ. 

Jordan Sheterline

After working tirelessly at Australian Youth Festival, Bella Anderson was approached by WPA to consider applying for the role of AWL Manager. With only two weeks to hand over, WPQ was very fortunate to have Jordan Sheterline accept the position of Events Coordinator with an immediate start. 

Jordan’s first big challenge will be the BWPI finals this coming weekend. He will also coordinate the RTC program beginning in Term 2 and oversee the WPA Country Championships on the Gold Coast in May.  With over eight years of pool experience and water polo knowledge, Jordan brings new perspectives and insights to the role of Competitions, Events, and Club Services Coordinator. 

Monique Staunton 

Monique Staunton has taken over from previous Marketing and Communications Officer Anica Bussell after she moved to a full-time managerial role as Marketing and Communications Coordinator at Foodbank Queensland. Monique has experience working with England Boxing, is motivated to continue to expand the world of water polo through all avenues, with a focus on WPQ social media and public relations’ strategies and building on Anica's broad established communication base. 

January saw the resignation of CEO Rob Donaghue who had held the position since September 2016.  Rob targeted the development of water polo overall as well as programs and participation throughout the state in line with the strategic initiatives as directed by the government sport development funding. Rob, who now holds the position of Chief Operating Officer at Brisbane Bullets has been acting in a consultancy CEO role in the interim period of appointing a new CEO. 

 Melanie Woosnam

WPQ is excited to announce the appointment of Melanie Woosnam as its new CEO. 

With over 20 years of experience in the sport and recreation industry, Mel comes to WPQ with proven and extensive skills at both the strategic and operational level.

WPQ Board President Sharyn Tucker praised the appointment saying “As an experienced sporting executive, Mel will bring significant strategic capability to the role. She has held multiple executive and leadership roles throughout the Australian sport and recreation sector as well as competing at an International level with continuing success. Her experience aligns perfectly with WPQ’s strategic vision to ‘Promote safe and enjoyable participation opportunities that ensure the long-term growth and sustainability of the sport in Queensland.’

This is a key opportunity for review and growth within WPQ, and Mel will be a passionate advocate, working to grow participation, devise and implement the strategic direction for 2020-23, and work closely with our clubs and regional associations to assist them in reaching their full potential.”

Mel, who was previously the Managing Director at Active8 Sports Solutions as well as currently occupying the role of Director and President of the Board at Hockey Australia is well positioned to make a meaningful impact on the future of WPQ. 

We welcome Mel who will commence with WPQ on 1 April 2019. 

Administrator Pam McGarrigle and Regional Development Officer Andrea Johnstone are continuing to achieve goals and expand their roles with the growth of the sport and the organisation is appreciative for their ongoing support and commitment.

While welcoming our new team, we would like to acknowledge those staff who have contributed so much to the organisation during their time with us and wish them all the best in their new professional appointments.