History
Of our club
History
Of our club
From a single team to a vibrant community
The Sydney Stingers began in 2001 with a bold idea: to represent Sydney’s LGBTQIA+ community at the 2002 Gay Games. Just a handful of swimmers and dreamers came together back then—but what they built has echoed across decades, competitions, and countless friendships.
We didn’t just form a team. We created a space where queer people could belong in sport.
As the years passed, the Stingers grew—one teammate, one boot camp, one social event at a time. We expanded into the Sydney Metro League and began fielding multiple teams across both men’s and women’s divisions. We launched our all-gender social league, INTRA, to give beginners and returning players a place to reconnect with the sport. And we found our stride not just as competitors, but as organisers, leaders, and community-builders.
We’ve played tournaments across Australia and overseas—winning medals, sure, but more importantly, showing up as our full selves wherever we go. We’ve volunteered at HIV fundraisers, marched in every Mardi Gras since 2008, and cheered each other on through training, injury, and celebration.
Since 2018, the Stingers has been a club for all genders. What began with the launch of our first Metro women’s league teams has grown into a broader shift—welcoming women, trans, and non-binary members into the heart of the club. Today, women and gender-diverse players lead as captains, coaches, and committee members, shaping everything from competition strategy to club culture. Their presence continues to drive a stronger, more inclusive Stingers identity.
Like all communities, we’ve faced challenges too—from venue closures to personal losses, and the distance of COVID lockdowns. But through every season, the heart of the Stingers has stayed the same: we show up. We keep the lanes open. We make space.
What started as a single team is now a thriving club—full of swimmers, supporters, partners, and friends. We’re not just here to play water polo. We’re here to build something lasting, joyful, and proudly queer.
And we’re just getting started!
Highlights
Through the years
Highlights
Through the years
2024
KEY COMPETITIONS
IGLA Buenos Aires 2025
Rainbow Grudge Cup
Intra S8 (Winter)
Winter Season (Metro) Lapis Lazulis Won
Club Tournament
AWARD RECIPIENTS
Inclusion award: Dean Lane
Cheerleader / Supporter award: Fabs Navarro
Coordination / Club Mgmt award: Angus McDowell
Best in Class Player: Tiz Start
Coaches Award: Adam Harris
Presidents Award: Rachel Collier + Michaela Davies
KEY EVENTS
Parramatta Pride Picnic
Mardi Gras Parade
Annette Kellerman TGD Event
August Bootcamp
Trivia Night
COMMITTEE MEMBERS
President: Beck Colechin (elected)
Vice President: Dylan Vitucci
Treasurer: Joshua Sprake
Secretary: Tom Cooney (elected, limited to 1 year term)
Registrar: Dean Lane (elected, General Executive renamed to Registrar)
Ordinary Executives: Fabs Navarro, Fletch, Ben Williamson
2023
KEY COMPETITIONS
Summer Metro (W5 made semi finals!)
Winter Metro
London IGLA (1st and 4th places in Rec division)
Brisbane Grudge Match
Gay Games in Guadalajara, Mexico
AWARD RECIPIENTS
Training/Commitment Award: Joseph Mastrangelo
Inclusion Award: Celia Tier
Cheerleader / Supporter Award: Jarod Kingston-Brown
Coordination / Club Management Award: Andrew Minutillo
Best in Class Player (MVP of MVPs): Jacob Jordison
Coaches Award: Bryce McMillan
President’s Award: Dean Lane
KEY EVENTS
STARSTRUCK Party
Fair Day
Mardi Gras Parade
AQuAFest
Trivia Night
Paramatta Pride Picnic
Hot Stuff Party
COMMITTEE MEMBERS
President: Ben Thomas
Vice President: Dylan Vitucci (elected)
Treasurer: Joshua Sprake (elected)
Secretary: Tom Cooney
General Executive: Stef Jelic
2022
key COMPETITIONS
April - Sydney Grudge Match
AWARD RECIPIENTS
Summer Awards: Joshua Philp Most Valuable Player M5
Joseph Mastrangelo Most Improved Player M5
Daniel Bushe Most Valuable Player M7-1
James Wade Most Improved Player M7-1
Thomas Cooney Most Valuable Player M7-2
Alexander Kingsford Mortensen Most Improved Player M7-2
Emily Scott Most Valuable Player W3
Tahlia Mihell Most Improved Player W3
Caitlyn McLoughlin Most Valuable Player W4
Caz Crayford Most Improved Player W4
Beatrice Hosie Most Valuable Player W5
Georgia Scott Most Improved Player W5
Jacob Jordison Most Valuable Player INTRA.2
Dean Lane Best Newcomer INTRA.2
Alex Blagus Most Improved Player INTRA.2
Chiara Palazzo Best Vibes INTRA.2
Winter Awards: Thomas Walker Most Valuable Player M5
Dan Page Most Improved Player M5
James Wade Most Valuable Player M7
Patrick Graham Most Improved Player M7
Michelle Walsh Most Valuable Player W5
Sophie Hay Most Improved Player W5
Julianna Kadar Most Valuable Player W6 Winter 22
KA McKercher Most Improved Player W6
Kezia Tieck Most Valuable Player INTRA Winter 22
Andrew Minutillo Best Newcomer INTRA Winter 22
Dean Lane Most Improved Player INTRA
Jarod Kingston-Brown Best Vibes INTRA
End Of year Awards: Training/Commitment Award: Joseph Mastrangelo
Inclusion Award: Beck Colechin
Cheerleader / Supporter Award: Alex Lau
Coordination / Club Management Award: Dean Lane
Best in Class Player (MVP of MVPs): Caitlyn McLoughlin
Drama Award: Alex Blagus
Coaches Award: Beck Colechin
President’s Award: Stephen Timbrell
key events
March - Mardi Gras
May - Head Coaches awarded 2022 Coach of the Year from Water Polo NSW
COMMITTEE MEMBERS
President: Ben Thomas (elected)
Vice President: Dylan Vitucci
Treasurer: James Wade
Secretary: Tom Cooney (elected)
General Executive: Stef Jelic (elected)
Ordinary Executives: Audrey Cremer, Dean Lane, Alex Lau
2021
KEY COMPETITIONS
February - Beach 4s at Manly
May - Brisbane Grudge Match - 1st and 2nd Place
AWARD RECIPIENTS
Summer Season: Kerry Mealing Most Valuable Player M5
Damien Yabsley Most Improved Player M5
Daniel Bushe Most Valuable Player M6
Joseph Miller Most Improved Player M6
Joshua Sprake Most Valuable Player M7-Comp
Chris Patfield Most Improved Player M7-Comp
Emerald Comerford Most Valuable Player L4
Madeline Thomas Most Valuable Player L4
Gus Heesh Most Improved Player L4
Morena Hosie Most Valuable Player L5
Rebecca Colechin Most Improved Player L5
Thomas Cooney Most Improved Player M7-Dev
Alexander Kingsford Mortensen Most Improved Player M7-Dev
Lewis Porter Most Valuable Player Skills Squad
Aaron O’Meara Most Improved Player Skills Squad
End of year: Little Miss Late: James Reynolds
Little Miss Quick: Pat Graham
Little Miss Star: Stephen Timbrell
Little Miss Contrary: Josh Sprake
Little Miss Bossy: Josh Philip
Little Miss Brave: Caz Crayford and Claire Suters
Little Miss Inventor: Danny Delgado
Little Miss Twins: Josh Neish and Angus McDowell
Little Miss Busy: Jem Senczyszyn and Dan Kirkwood
Presidents Award: Michael Hockey
Coaches Award: Alexander Kingsford Mortenson
key events
February - First Training session at new pool, Gunyama
February - Fair Day
March - Mardi Gras Parade
December - 20 years of Stinger Celebration Dinner
COMMITTEE MEMBERS
President: Ben Thomas
Vice President: Dylan Vitucci
Secretary: Bianca Couchman
Treasurer: James Wade
General Executive: Stef Jelic
2020
KEY COMPETITIONS
January - Beach 4s at Cronulla
February - IGLA Melbourne - Silver Medal
AWARD RECIPIENTS
Inclusion Champion: Rachel & Kayla
Training Hero: Matt di Meglio
Drama King: Annie Wylie
COVID Queen: Alex Lau
Coaches' Award: Karen Hooi
President's Award: Annie Wylie
President's Award: Nathan Collett
KEY EVENTS
February - The Shinny Shrimps film premier for Mardi Gras Film Festiaval
February - Fair Day
March - Mardi Gras Parade
May - 2 KEWL 4 DA PEWL : Polovision - Lockdown collaboration with Toronto Triggerfish
COMMITTEE MEMBERS
President: Ben Thomas (elected)
Vice President: Dylan Vitucci
Secretary: Bianca Couchman (elected)
Treasurer: James Wade
General Executive: Stef Jelic (elected)
2019
KEY COMPETITIONS
January - Beach 4s
March - Stingers vs NSW All Stars LGBTIQ inclusion match
April - Perth Pride Challenge
June - IGLA in NYC
August - M5 Team wins Winter Season Competition
September - Sydney Interstate Grudge Match
AWARD RECIPIENTS
Summer Season:
Most Improved: Stingers Skills Squad - Jason Epic Leong
Most Improved: Stingers L4 U-Haul - Nicola Maitland
Most Valuable: Madelaine Nashville
Most Improved: Stingers L5 Bunnings - Alison Kate & Sara Kolijn
Most Valuable: Stingers L5 Bunnings - Jac Traynor
Most Improved: Stingers L5 IKEA - Hilary Bretag
Most Valuable: Stingers L5 IKEA - Mikala Welsh
Most Improved: Stingers M5 - Daniel Bushe
Most Valuable: Stingers M5 - Tyler George
Most Improved: Stingers M6 - Nathan Forbes Collett
Most Valuable: Stingers M6 - James Reynolds
Most Improved: Stingers M7-1 - Daniel Harwood
Most Valuable: Stingers M7-1 - Joshua Philp
Most Improved: Stingers M7-2 - James Wade
Most Valuable: Stingers M7-2 - Chris Patfield
Winter Season:
MVP: L4 LEATHER - Sophia Maling
MI: L4 LEATHER - Bianca Couchman & Annie Kirsten-Parsch
MVP: L5 DENIM - Claire Suters
MI: L5 DENIM - Georgia Engel
MVP: L5 FLANNO - Katie Stiles
MI: L5 FLANNO - Bec Lancaster
MVP: M5 BABY ALPACAS - Thomas Walker
MI: M5 BABY ALPACAS - Ben Fishburn
MVP: M6 SPANDEX - Sam Stark
MI: M6 SPANDEX - Matthew Di Meglio
MVP: M7 POSEIDON - Brad Hastings
MI: M7 POSEIDON - Joel Thrum & Cameron Havasi
MVP: M7 RHINESTONE - David Prince
MI: M7 RHINESTONE - Kieren Lawson
MI: TRAINING TEAM TAFFETA - Karen Hooi
KEY EVENTS
February - Fair Day
March - Mardi Gras Parade
April - Boot Camp
June - Trivia Night
June - Stingers are winners of Pride In Sport Inclusion Award for Womens Waterpolo Team
Committee members
President: Stephen Timbrell
Vice President: Dylan Vitucci (elected)
Secretary: Ben Thomas
Treasurer: James Wade (elected)
2018
KEY COMPETITIONS
WPNSW Inclusion Game
August: L3 Team Win the Winter Season
September: Paris Gay Games
AWARD RECIPIENTS
Summer Season:
Stingers A1 - Most Improved: Ben Thomas
Stingers A1 - Most Valuable Player: Thomas Walker
Stingers A2 - Most Improved: Ivan Buckingham
Stingers A2 - Most Valuable Player: Paul Keevers
Stingers B - Best & Fairest: Dylan Vitucci
Stingers B - Most Valuable Player: Yesid Meneses
Stingers C - Most Improved: Masaki Shibata
Stingers C - Most Valuable Player: Simon Phegan
Stingers D - Most Improved: Philip Jamison-Lowe
Stingers D - Most time out of water: Teto Rincon-Möller
Winter Season:
L3 Most Improved: Annabel Downing
L3 MVP: Rachel Collier
L5 Most Improved: Elle Kazantzis, LJ Polley-Peters
L5 MVP: Stefani Jelić
M5 MVP: Thomas Walker, Josh Neish
M7-1 Most Improved: Tim Medway
M7-1 MVP: Joseph Mastrangelo
M7-2 Most Improved: David Michael, Masaki Shibata
M7-2 MVP: Liz Kean, Dan Page
M7-3 MVP: Joshua Philp, Calum Bolton
M7-3 Flying Fists Award: Jimmy Roberts
D Team Most Improved: Andrew Joseph
D Team Ghost Award: Mathew Ferguson
KEY EVENTS
February: Fair Day
March: Mardi Gras Parade
April: Bootcamp
May: Trivia Night
COMMITTEE MEMBERS
President: David Parsons
Vice President: Kerry Mealing
Treasurer: Scott Hogan Smith
Secretary: Ben Thomas
Notes on inclusion
In 2018, the club formally opened to all genders, launching our first Metro women’s league teams and welcoming more women, trans, and non-binary members into leadership, coaching, and competition roles. This marked a turning point in our identity—moving from an all-male history to a more inclusive future, where all genders could play, lead, and belong.
2017
KEY COMPETITIONS
January: Grudge match - Melbourne
Stingers A defeated Surge A: 6-4
Stingers B drew with Surge B: 3-3
Stingers C defeated Surge C: 8-1
February: Pride Cup Brisbane
April: NSW Metropolitan League Summer 2016/17 - Stingers A first place M6 division
May: Stingers A debuts M5 team in winter competition
July: Pride Challenge Brisbane - winner Stingers Fleek
AWARD RECIPIENTS
Summer Competition:
Stingers A - MVP: Thomas Walker, Stephen Timbrell
Stingers A - Most Improved: Alberto Jimenez, Simon Reid
Stingers B - MVP: Sam McGraw
Stingers B - MI: All of Stingers B!
Stingers C - MVP: Joshua Philip, James Reynolds
Stingers C - MI: Scott Stierli
Stingers D - MVP: Chris Long, Michael Hockey
Stingers D - MI: Dan Page, Joshua Hunt
KEY EVENTS
February: Fair Day
March: 39th Annual Mardi Gras Parade - 'We are the future of equality'
April: Autumn Boot Camp
July: 8th Annual 'Are you smarter than a Stinger?' Trivia Night
COMMITTEE MEMBERS
President: David Parsons
Vice President: Kerry Mealing
Secretary: Ben Thomas
Treasurer: Scott Hogan Smith
Events: Nathen Brown
Team A M5/M6 Rep: Dan Bushe
Team A M5 Captain: Kerry Mealing
Team A M6 Captain: David Parsons
Team B Rep: Daniel Kirkwood
Team B Captain: Sam McGraw
Team C Rep: Pete Michaels
Team C Captain: Pascal Van De Walle
Team D Rep: Dion Baker
Communications: Daniel Kirkwood
New Recruits Manager: Ben Thomas
2016
KEY COMPETITIONS
January: Grudge match / Pride Cup Melbourne - winner
April: NSW Metropolitan League Summer 2015/16 - Stingers A first place.
August: IGLA Edmonton - competitive division 6th Place.
October: Grudge match - Sydney- second place.
AWARD RECIPIENTS
Presidents Award: Daniel Kirkwood
Diva Award: Luke Kelly
Carmen San Diego Award: James Graham
Cutest Couple Award: Pete Michael and Stephen Timbrell
Public Engagement Award: David Derrick
KEY EVENTS
February: Fair Day
March: 38th Annual Mardi Gras Parade
April: Autumn Boot Camp
July: 7th Annual 'Are you smarter than a Stinger?' Trivia Night
September: Spring Boot Camp
Christmas Party: Kings Kross Hotel
COMMITTEE MEMBERS
President: David Parsons
Vice President: Kerry Mealing
Secretary: Nathan Forbes Collett
Treasurer: Scott Hogan Smith
Events: Enrique Panemeno
Fundraising coordinator: Alex Svenson
Team A Rep: Jesse Price
Team A Captain: Kerry Mealing
Team B Rep: Stephen Thompson
Team B Captain: Ivan Buckingham
Communications: Daniel Kirkwood
New Recruits Manager: Ben Thomas
2015
KEY COMPETITIONS
January: Grudge match - Melbourne
April: NSW Metropolitan League Summer 2014/15 - Stingers A second place.
June: Grudge match - Sydney - winners.
October: NSW Metropolitan League Winter 2015 - Stingers A - 3rd
August: Eurogames Stockholm - competitive division.
AWARD RECIPIENTS
Presidents Award: Ivan Buckingham
Team A Most Improved Player: David Parsons
Team B Most Improved Player: Daniel Kirkwood
Team B Most Valuable Player: Hagen Jewel
Diva Award: Paul Keevers
Carmen San Diego Award: Kade Leverald
Cutest Couple Award: Nick Vogel and James Havas
Public Engagement Award: Jason Thomas
KEY EVENTS
February: Fair Day
March: 37th Annual Mardi Gras Parade - Where will your passion take you?
April: Autumn Boot Camp
July: 6th Annual 'Are you smarter than a Stinger?' Trivia Night
August: Eurovision Party Fundraiser
September: Spring Boot Camp
Christmas Party: Sky Phoenix
COMMITTEE MEMBERS
President: David Parsons
Vice President: Kerry Mealing
Secretary: Nathan Forbes Collett
Treasurer: Scott Hogan Smith
Events/Fundraising: Luke Kelly
Team A Rep: Jesse Price/Rob Timbrell
Team A Captain: Kerry Mealing
Team B Rep: Stephen Thompson
Team B Captain: Ivan Buckingham
Communications: Chris Long/Cameron McRae
New Recruits Manager: Ivan Buckingham
2014
KEY COMPETITIONS
NSW Metropolitan League Summer 2013/14.
AWARD RECIPIENTS
Team A Most Valuable Player: Jesse Price
Team A Most Improved: Record unavailable
Team B Most Valuable Player: Record unavailable
Team B Most Improved Player: Cameron McRae
KEY EVENTS
March: 36th Annual Mardi Gras Parade
June: 5th Annual 'Are you smarter than a Stinger?' Trivia Night.
Christmas Party: Casa de Hagen
COMMITTEE MEMBERS
President: Russ Plummer
Vice President: Kerry Mealing
Secretary: Gary Cadwallender
Treasurer: Scott Hogan Smith
Events/Fundraising: Stuart Bruce/Luke Kelly
Team A Rep: Rob Timbrell
Team A Captain: Kerry Mealing
Team B Rep: Record unavailable
Team B Captain: Ivan Buckingham
Communications: Chris Long
New Recruits Manager: Ivan Buckingham
2013
KEY COMPETITIONS
January: Grudge Match Melbourne
Outgames Antwerp - 2nd place to Melbourne Surge.
AWARD RECIPIENTS
While records are incomplete, we know many stepped up and shone this year.
KEY EVENTS
March: 35th Annual Mardi Gras Parade - Winners best choreography.
June: 4th Annual 'Are You Smarter than a Stinger' Trivia Night
December: Christmas Dinner - Claires Kitchen
COMMITTEE MEMBERS
President: Russ Plummer
Vice President: Kerry Mealing
Secretary: Stuart Bruce
Treasurer: David Armour
Events/Fundraising: Stuart Bruce/Luke Kelly
Team A Rep: Rob Timbrell
Team A Captain: Kerry Mealing
Team B Rep: Justin Nel
Team B Captain: Justin Nel
2012
KEY COMPETITIONS
Grudge Match Melbourne
Grudge Match Sydney - winners 14-3
AWARD RECIPIENTS
This year’s victories weren’t all on paper—but they were real
KEY EVENTS
March: 34th Annual Mardi Gras Parade - Winners best choreography.
3rd Annual 'Are you smarter than a stinger' trivia night.
COMMITTEE MEMBERS
A dedicated group helped guide the club through another successful year
2011
KEY COMPETITIONS
From social games to structured leagues, the club kept making waves.
AWARD RECIPIENTS
Not all awards were recorded, but the impact was felt across the club.
KEY EVENTS
March: 33rd Annual Mardi Gras Parade.
April: Stingers Pool Party - Ivy Pool Deck
2nd Annual 'Are you smarter than a stinger' trivia night.
COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Volunteers stepped into leadership with generosity, care, and humour.
2010
KEY COMPETITIONS
The Stingers Red team debuts in the NSW Metropolitan League 2010/11 Summer Season.
NSW Metropolitan League Summer 2009/10 - Stingers Black 5th place.
Gay Games VIII Cologne - 7th Place
AWARD RECIPIENTS
The spirit of the club was carried by many, celebrated by all.
KEY EVENTS
March: 32nd Annual Mardi Gras Parade.
June: Inaugural 'Are you smarter than a stinger' trivia night.
COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Committee roles were filled by passionate volunteers who kept us afloat.
2009
KEY COMPETITIONS
Our teams continued to show up, play hard, and represent the club with pride.
AWARD RECIPIENTS
From pool legends to quiet achievers, the club was full of stars.
KEY EVENTS
March: 31st Annual Mardi Gras Parade.
COMMITTEE MEMBERS
A spirit of collaboration carried the committee through a memorable season.
2008
KEY COMPETITIONS
The competition calendar may blur, but the memories remain bold.
AWARD RECIPIENTS
We may not have names on file, but their influence echoes still.
KEY EVENTS
March: 30th Annual Mardi Gras Parade.
COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Whether on paper or in practice, their impact was felt throughout the year.
2007
KEY COMPETITIONS
Matches were played, lessons were learned, and friendships were deepened.
AWARD RECIPIENTS
Recognition may fade, but the contributions remain unforgettable.
KEY EVENTS
Events big and small kept our community connected and inspired.
COMMITTEE MEMBERS
The heart of the club beat stronger thanks to those who volunteered their time.
2006
KEY COMPETITIONS
Gay Games VII Chicago - 5th Place Sydney Stingers
Montreal Outgames
Wyong Cup
Grudge Match Melbourne v Sydney
AWARD RECIPIENTS
Awards aside, every Stinger deserves applause for their effort this year.
KEY EVENTS
Shared moments made this a year worth remembering.
COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Our committee reflected the same energy and diversity found across the whole club.
2005
KEY COMPETITIONS
Across seasons and divisions, we kept showing up for each other.
AWARD RECIPIENTS
We’re proud of every player, volunteer, and supporter who made a difference.
KEY EVENTS
From poolside hangs to community fundraisers, the Stingers stayed active.
COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Behind every season was a group of committed Stingers keeping things running.
2004
KEY COMPETITIONS
IGLA - Fort Lauderdale, Florida
AWARD RECIPIENTS
Whether recognised formally or not, our people made the year remarkable.
KEY EVENTS
We marked the year with heart, humour, and a healthy dose of glitter.
COMMITTEE MEMBERS
We may not have full records, but their leadership made a lasting mark.
2003
KEY COMPETITIONS
IGLA - San Francisco
AWARD RECIPIENTS
Every Stinger brought something special—we honour them all.
KEY EVENTS
Connection remained at the core of everything we planned.
COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Many hands made light work—and great things possible.
2002
KEY COMPETITIONS
Gay Games VI - Sydney
First “grudge match” held in Melbourne against the Crabs
Entered Sydney Metro League in October with one men’s team
AWARD RECIPIENTS
Every Stinger brought something special—we honour them all.
KEY EVENTS
Competed in the 2002 Sydney Gay Games
COMMITTEE MEMBERS
A strong group of organisers kept the club on track and thriving
2001
FOUNDING MEMBERS
We proudly acknowledge the individuals who brought the Sydney Stingers to life in 2001. Their vision, courage, and commitment laid the foundation for the inclusive, community-driven club we are today. The legacy they began continues to shape every season, every team, and every new Stinger who finds their place with us. With deep gratitude, we honour our founding members: Andrew Lees, David Armour, David Fletcher, Darren Wegg, Mal McNeilly, Mark Eagleson, Pascal Van De Walle, Paul O'Sullivan, Rod Messent, Sandor King, Shane Ewen, and Tim Green.