Water Polo Victoria is running a come-and-try session to celebrate 132 years since the first known women’s water polo match in Australia was contested at the Ballarat city baths.

The event will also provide an opportunity to reflect on the part Ballarat played in the beginnings of the sport in Australia. 

Water Polo Victoria industry development officer Simon Armstrong said the first game was part of the “ladies’ swimming matches” organised by women connected with Ballarat Swimming Club.

He said newspaper articles frtom the day stated the match was played between two teams of seven, consisting women and under-15 girls.

“Unfortunately we do not know the final result, other than the Miss Collas’ side, captained by Miss Sheedy, was the victor.”

Armstrong said despite Ballarat not having an active water polo competlition now, the sport dated back in the city to 1879 when it was first introduced by entrepreneurial swimming ‘professor’ Frederick Cavill.

He said the initial exposure of the sport had been part of an aquatic exhibition tour, which led to the formation of the first water polo club in Australia.

Armstrong said while the Ballarat Aquatic Polo Club was short lived, the aquatic community continued to play the game.

He said it was important to remember and commemorate the part Ballarat had in the early days of water polo – across the board and for women.

The come-and-try session will be at Ballarat Aquatic and Lifestyle Centre on Monday, 7.45pm to 9pm.

More information: Simon Armstrong 0418 372240