PKF celebrates the 2025 Water Polo Australia PD Scholarship recipients

Balancing the demands of elite sport with personal and professional growth is no small feat. These athletes represent the best of what the water polo community stands for; determination, leadership, and a drive to succeed in all facets of life. Nicholas Falzon

For the third year running, PKF Sydney and Newcastle is incredibly proud to stand behind Water Polo Australia’s Professional Development (PD) Scholarship Program, a cause close to our hearts. Supporting these remarkable athletes as they chase their dreams beyond the water isn’t just an investment in their futures, it’s a celebration of their resilience, ambition, and the courage it takes to forge new paths.

Developed to assist members of the current senior squad and National Age Group Program, as well as recent senior squad alumni, the PD Scholarship is designed to offer tailored professional development opportunities. Whether it’s a university degree, vocational course, short course, virtual internship, licensing, or related travel and accommodation, this program provides flexible support for athletes’ career and education goals.

 PKF is delighted to celebrate the announcement of the 2025 scholarship recipients; Olympic silver medalist Bronte Halligan, dual Olympian George Ford, and National Age Group Program squad members Harper Stewart and Georgia Chapman. Together, these four outstanding individuals will share in a $10,000 funding pool, made possible by PKF Sydney and Newcastle Partner, Nicholas Falzon.

“We’re incredibly proud to continue supporting the PD Scholarship Program,” said Nicholas Falzon, WPA alumnus and long-time advocate for athlete development. “Balancing the demands of elite sport with personal and professional growth is no small feat. These athletes represent the best of what the water polo community stands for; determination, leadership, and a drive to succeed in all facets of life.”

At PKF, we believe in supporting not only the athletic pursuits of these remarkable individuals but also their lifelong dreams. It’s an honour to be part of their journeys and to help build pathways that extend beyond sport, into thriving, fulfilling futures.

Meet the 2025 PKF PD Scholarship Recipients

Bronte Halligan
Olympic silver medalist Bronte is currently based in Italy and undertaking a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) course. This qualification will enable her to work as an English language instructor internationally, offering her meaningful career opportunities while continuing her elite sporting journey abroad.

George Ford
After years of service as a respiratory scientist and two Olympic campaigns, George is transitioning into a new and exciting career in Data Science. He has enrolled in a comprehensive three-month course in “Data Science and Machine Learning” to build the technical foundation for this next chapter.

Harper Stewart
With entrepreneurial ambitions, Harper is currently diving into studies in financial management, marketing, and strategic planning. His coursework is preparing him to lead in the business world and bring his leadership skills from the pool to the boardroom.

Georgia Chapman
Driven by a passion for education and youth support, Georgia is pursuing studies in educational pedagogy, curriculum design, and student psychology. Her goal is to become a primary school educator and mentor who fosters confidence and inclusivity in future generations.