Summer Season Wrap-up

We hope everyone enjoyed a very Happy Easter and nice long weekend break. For those still at school, we hope you are having a great time and helping your parents with all the chores around home 😊

Our Easter Breakfast BBQ was a great hit, as well as all of the great raffle prizes. Thankyou to everyone who organised and helped with the breakfast bbq and donated to the raffle prizes.

Congratulations to Daniel Brancatisano, now known as GGG (the Guessing Game Guru). Daniel correctly guessed there were 184 eggs, I hope there are still some left to eat. All this after Daniel correctly guessed the number in the Christmas lolly jar. Grace & Ruth might need to consider dentistry as professions if Daniel keeps up this winning streak. We had 5 members guess within 180 range, so congratulations to you all as well.

Saturday Autumn Club Races

Due to the awesome number of requests, we are BACK! Today is the first of two more Club Race mornings. Time to get your swimmers and jammers back on, ready to dive into the pool this weekend.

These club races are a sprint series and will be over in around 1 hour. So, to all those soccer people, come get warmed up before your games with a quick swim in the pool.

The swimming centre opens at 7.00am and races start at 7:15 (with all hands on deck to help with setup from 7.00am). We expect races to finish around 8:15. So make sure you get your entries in for next week now!

Pool Entry

A reminder that spectators accompanying swimmers to club races (and squad training) are entitled to free entry as per Council’s Fees & Charges schedule. For those who purchase multiple entry passes for club swimmers we suggest you consider purchasing the Council’s Blue (Swim Only) Membership rather than the limited visit Concession Pass as this is a cheaper way to purchase your pool entry over the timeframe.

Note Council’s Fees and Charges increase from 1^st July, so consider what you may be able to purchase prior to the increase in these costs.

State Masters Swimmers

This weekend we have 3 of our Masters swimming at the Masters Swimming NSW Long Course Championships at SOPAC. Good luck to Kylee Murray, Alison Johnston and Leanne Tovkach! They are competing in a total of 15 combined events. If you see them today make sure you wish them luck! May the whale be with you all 🐳

Coaching Reminder

Training moves to Wentworthville Swimming Centre from Monday, 4th May 2026.

Sessions will be held in the 50m pool and are scheduled to return to Merrylands in September.

There will be no training from 27th to 30th April due to the Australian Masters Championships.

Swimmers will need to have collected their training equipment from Merrylands Swimming Centre after their last training session as we will not have access to the storeroom once the swimming centre closes for winter.

Club AGM & Annual Presentation

🐳 Get Involved – Be Part of Our Club’s Future

Our club is built on the incredible efforts of our volunteers, and we’d love to see more families getting involved in shaping what we do next.

The Annual General Meeting (AGM) is coming up, and it’s your chance to have a say, share ideas, and be part of the decisions that guide our club forward. Whether you’ve been around for years or are new to the club, your voice matters.

Joining the Committee might sound like a big step, but it doesn’t have to be! There are a range of roles, big and small, and plenty of support along the way. Even putting your hand up to help in small ways can make a huge difference.

Being involved is a great way to:

• Have a say in how the club runs
• Help create opportunities for our swimmers
• Meet other families and be part of the community
• Give back to a club that supports our kids

Our club continues to grow, and with that comes new ideas, new energy, and new opportunities. We encourage anyone who’s interested, even just a little bit, to come along to the AGM and see what it’s all about. Members aged 18 & over are entitled to vote at the AGM.

Together, we can keep building a strong, supportive, and fun club for everyone.

The dates for these major events are (please put these in your calendar):

Merrylands will be represented by a team of 3 swimmers at the NSW State Masters Championships at Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre this weekend.

Our team will contest 15 events at the meet and consists of:

Kylee Murray
Alison Johnston
Leanne Tovkach

We wish our team the best of luck at the meet.

See Also

• Masters Swimming NSW

Training moves to Wentworthville Swimming Centre from Monday, 4th May, 2026.

Sessions will be held in the 50m pool and are scheduled to return to Merrylands in September.

There will be no training from 27th to 30th April due to the Australian Masters Championships.

Swimmers will need to have collected their training equipment from Merrylands Swimming Centre after their last training session.

See Also

• Training Schedule
• Training Break Form
• Training and Club Races in April

Summer Season Concludes

Here we are after 25 weeks of club races. It has been a great season, with record numbers attending weekly and it has been a highlight to see multiple heats of races throughout the season. We have seen great results (and new records) at club races, as well as so many outstanding swims at meets at all levels.

Thankyou to everyone who has contributed and volunteered throughout the season. It takes a big effort across the whole club to run the season. We look forward to celebrating all of the achievements at the club’s Annual Presentation in May.

A big thankyou to our club families and sponsors who have supported our club throughout the season, this support (financial, baking, donations of prizes, in-kind etc) allows the club to provide a range of events and activities throughout the season.

Last week we held the 3^rd and final Swim for your School event. We had a total of 20 schools represented, showing the great diversity of our club community. Congratulations to Sacred Heart Primary School who made it a clean sweep of these events this season.

Easter Fun

Please join us after club races today as we celebrate the end of season with a club breakfast BBQ and Easter festivities.

This morning is the last chance to participate in:

Easter Egg Jar Guessing Competition:

🍫 1 guess = $2

🍫 3 guesses = $5

Easter Raffle Tickets:

🎟 1 ticket = $2

🎟 3 tickets = $5

If you have an Easter parade hat lying around at home, bring it along to wear. Some of our swim kids have already made some fantastic hats that their parents will be proudly wearing!

Let’s make it a fun morning both in and out of the pool!

Last chance – 8 Years & Under Membership Reimbursement

A reminder that forms for the 8 Years & Under Membership Reimbursement must be submitted by this Saturday, as our financial year concludes at the end of March. Don’t miss out. Eligibility criteria and the form can be accessed here: https://merrylandsasc.asn.au/membership/freemembership.aspx

Autumn Racing Carnival

Don’t fret that club races have concluded. As the swimming centre remains open until the end of April we will be holding our Autumn Racing Carnival. This will be run over two Saturdays, 11^th April and 18^th April.

The swimming centre opens at 7.00am, so we ask that you arrive at that time to help set up, with races starting at 7:15am. These are a short program of events and races will conclude by approx. 8:15am.

Enter your races as normal through Swim Central.

Swimmer Spotlight – Gabriella Assi

Tell us about your swimming journey

As a baby, I started Learn to Swim at Guildford Pools before moving to Learn to Swim at Merrylands Pools, where Graham was mainly my swim instructor and then Peter for a bit. I remember doing 15m races and then joining the beginner squads when I was about 8 years old.

My first big meet was Speedo Sprints in 2023. My mum entered me in some races, but I remember crying and climbing on top of the car refusing to swim! My sister Darla told me to get back inside and go swim. Eventually I did the races and actually felt much better about it – after all that, I realised I really liked racing!

Favourite stroke

Breaststroke! I’m good at it and it feels like a smooth, slower stroke for me. Sometimes I also enjoy butterfly because of the fast movements. My least favourite stroke is backstroke – I just don’t like it.

Proudest swimming achievement

Getting sub-40 seconds for butterfly at our SwimFest this year. Also, becoming Point Score Champion three years in a row! I’m not sure if I’ll get it again this year as I missed a few weeks of racing due to holidays.

Swimming goal for this year

I want to get sub-40 seconds for breaststroke. Now I’m swimming around 41 seconds. One thing I need to work on is not looking at the swimmers in the other lanes!

What do you enjoy about our Club?

My friends here. Even though swimming isn’t really a team sport, we all share our achievements and support each other.

Something interesting about you

I love Acrobatics. I used to do classes at Step in Time in Greystanes and loved it even more than swimming! Unfortunately, I had to stop after I broke my arm when I was 7 years old (I fell off a swing). Otherwise, I would have kept going. My favourite acrobatics trick is the back walkover (see photo). Don’t worry though – my arm injury doesn’t affect my swimming anymore!

Club AGM & Annual Presentation

A reminder that we have the club’s AGM and Annual Presentation coming up in May.

Club members are welcome to attend the Club AGM, pre-registration is required to attend online. All financial members aged 18 & over, as well as all Life Members, are entitled to vote at the AGM. For more information please see the club website at https://www.merrylandsasc.asn.au/about/agm

More information about the Annual Presentation will be available on the club website and also communicated to all members who are eligible for awards on the night.

Coaching Reminders

Attendance Reminder

If you know you will be away from training, please remember to mark your attendance online prior to the session/s. This helps our super-duper coaches plan sessions appropriately and make sure everyone gets the most out of training.

Training Session update

Training and Club Races continue through April, including the school holidays; however, there is no training or races on the following dates:

Saturday 4th April - Easter Saturday

Monday 6th April - Easter Monday

Tuesday 7th April (no morning training - afternoon sessions on as usual)

Saturday 25th April - Anzac Day

Monday 27th April - Anzac Day Public Holiday

Tuesday 28th to 30th April - Australian Masters Championships

If you are going to miss a small number of sessions, you can submit your absences through the Swim School System up to one month in advance.

Club Promotional Video

Starr Partners undertook videoing at the recent Cumberland Inter-Club Cup and we are pleased to provide you with the final product. The video can be viewed on the club website and here is a direct link to the video:  https://youtu.be/w0gPEGKgZHM

ANZAC Day Commemoration

Our club will again be participating in the Cumberland Anzac Day Dawn Service.

Date: Saturday 25^th April 2026

Venue: Merrylands RSL Club

Times:

5.00am - March formation at Merrylands RSL entrance in Miller Street

5.15am - March commences

5.30am - Dawn Service commences

6.30am – Complimentary breakfast at Merrylands RSL Club

Club representatives will be laying a wreath on behalf of our club and members. Please wear your club polo shirt and hoodie (if it is cold) to this event. If you would like more information, please see Denise Assi.

Lions Club Award

As the season wraps up please take the time to nominate someone (you can also make multiple nominations) who you think is deserving of recognition for their help around the club.

The Lions Club award will be presented at the club’s Annual Presentation.

Nominate a volunteer

P-Plate Award

Today is the last chance to make a play for the coveted P-Plate award. If you recognise something silly someone has done please click on the link below to nominate them.

Nominate a silly mistake

Club Uniforms

Items can be purchased through the club’s online shop club shop.

Make a Donation

Did you know you can make a tax-deductible donation to the club at any time? Whilst the club’s financial year ends on 31^st March, you may wish to make a donation to help out with you personal or business tax obligations.

Thank you to everyone who has made a donation already during the season, your kind help is greatly appreciated and helps us purchase equipment for our member’s benefit.

If you would like to make a donation, or know someone who would like to then click on the link below.

Make a donation

Equipment Donations

Thank you to Kylee Murray who has arranged for some companies to donate items, including umbrellas to replace our existing stock and drink bottles (will be used as prizes).

A big thank you to Dicker Data (https://www.dickerdata.com.au) for the umbrellas and HPE Networking (https://www.hpe.com) for the drink bottles😊

If you know a business who would like to donate equipment/items please let Graham know.

Club Merrylands Easter & School Holiday Activities

Club Merrylands have a range of Easter & School holiday activities available. See the website for details about the events and activities.

Upcoming Meet Calendar

Check the website for the full list of upcoming meets, closing dates, programs and qualifying times.

Saturday Club Races

Club races start at 7:00am, but we still need our awesome helpers there by 6:45 latest to help set up.

Tomorrow, we have Swim for your school so everyone entering will be representing their schools!!

On a similar note, it has been so fintastic hearing about all our swimmers and their achievements throughout their school carnivals! This week we had a whale lot of swimmers swimming at Sydney west and diocesan regionals representing their school and our awesome club!

Last week we had the 1500m championship events, where we had a few fintastic swimmers compete against each other to see who can swim the fastest!! Check it out! (see downloadable version).

Easter Fun Coming Up!

Keep an eye out around the clubhouse for our Easter Egg Jar Guessing Competition!

🍫 1 guess = $2

🍫 3 guesses = $5

We also have Easter Raffle Tickets available:

🎟 1 ticket = $2

🎟 3 tickets = $5

And don’t forget - our Easter BBQ Breakfast is on next Saturday!

If you have an Easter parade hat lying around at home, bring it along and wear it on the day. Some of our swim kids have already made some fantastic hats that their parents will be proudly wearing!

Let’s make it a fun morning both in and out of the pool!

Perpetual Trophies Reminder

As the final week of club races draws closer, please ensure that any perpetual trophies currently in your possession are returned, dusted and ready to be presented to their next deserving winners. 

Swimmer Spotlight – Spotlight on Patrick Hannan

Tell us about your swimming journey

All my swimming training has been through our Merrylands Club. In year 3, I started Learn to Swim here with Graham as my instructor. I was then asked to trial for Beginner Squad, and I was so nervous and backed out because I didn’t want to do it. I remember my first school swimming carnival I lost every race and made it for relay. Eventually I joined Squads and have been progressing since then.

Favourite stroke

Backstroke because I can breathe whenever I want and not many people are good or like backstroke! I’m probably better at Freestyle though as I’m faster at that stroke. My least favourite stroke is Butterfly, because I drown.

Proudest swimming achievement

Making it to Regionals this year for my first year 7 High School swimming carnival. I made it for most events, all 100m strokes (except Butterfly), 50m free and I’m the 2nd swimmer in the 6 x 50m relay team.

Swimming goal for this year

Get faster in my 50m free. I’d like to get below 35 seconds. I’m currently doing 37 seconds.

What do you enjoy about our Club?

The free sausage sizzles, and then the swimming races. I really enjoy the Championship races, especially the Backstroke ones!

Something interesting about you?

I love Photography and taking photos of lizards in my backyard. I have a Canon eos10500D that I bought with my own money. It’s my favourite hobby, maybe I can bring it to take Club photos one day!

Club AGM & Annual Presentation

As the season draws to a close, we turn our eyes to planning the Club AGM and Annual Presentation.

We have selected the dates for these, so we ask that you put these in your calendar:

We will provide more information as we get closer to these dates

Coaching Reminders

Attendance Reminder:

If you know you will be away from training, please remember to mark your attendance online prior to the session/s. This helps our super-duper coaches plan sessions appropriately and make sure everyone gets the most out of training.

Training Session update:

Training and Club Races continue through April, including the school holidays; however, there is no training or races on the following dates:

Saturday 4th April - Easter Saturday

Monday 6th April - Easter Monday

Tuesday 7th April (no morning training - afternoon sessions on as usual)

Saturday 25th April - Anzac Day

Monday 27th April - Anzac Day Public Holiday

Tuesday 28th to 30th April - Australian Masters Championships

Do you need to put your enrolment on hold?

If you are going to miss a full calendar month of training, you can put your enrolment on hold for that month. To put your enrolment on hold for a full calendar month, submit the form on the website by the 26th of March. If the form is not submitted by then, you will be charged for the next month.

If you are going to miss a small number of sessions, you can submit your absences through the Swim School System up to one month in advance.

ANZAC Day Commemoration

Members are invited to attend the ANZAC Day service at Merrylands on Saturday, 25th April. This is a wonderful opportunity for our members to come together to represent our club and pay our respects.

We meet at Merrylands RSL Club and then participate in the march to Charles Mance Reserve, 6 Newman St, Merrylands. A wreath will be laid on behalf of the club, and attendees are also invited to return afterwards at Merrylands RSL Club for a breakfast provided by the RSL club.

We encourage members who are available to come along and support this important community event. More information will be provided closer to the event, so stay tuned.

P-Plate Award

We like to recognise and reward all efforts during the season, and the P-Plate award is the perfect way to recognise something silly someone has done during the season. Click on the link below to nominate someone.

Nominate a silly mistake

Seen a Problem? Get it Fixed

If you see something that needs fixing you can elevate this directly with Council by logging the issue here.

Club Uniforms

Need uniform items before the end of the season? Items can be purchased through the club’s online shop club shop.

Upcoming Meet Calendar

Check the website for the full list of upcoming meets, closing dates, programs and qualifying times.

Merrylands was proudly represented at the 2026 Sydney West Primary and Secondary School Swimming Championships, held across two days at the Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre on 18th and 19th March 2026. Primary students competed on Wednesday, followed by the Secondary Championships on Thursday, with all swimmers putting in strong performances against quality opposition from across the region.

Ten swimmers represented their schools at the Primary Championships:

Damien Chan
Marcus Chan
Olivia Clark
Tyler Gunton
William Johnston
Jude Johnston
Anna Johnston
Gabriel Mansour
Ella Palise
Lily Palise

Eight swimmers represented their schools at the Secondary Championships:

Patrick Hannan
Scarlett Hannan
Coralie Havea
Lindsey Matthew
Xavier Pedavoli
Jay Shrestha
Samantha Terry
Ayva Whelan

Across both days of competition, our swimmers demonstrated excellent skill, sportsmanship and determination. Congratulations to Coralie who has qualified for the Combined High School State Championships in April in two individual events.

Congratulations to all swimmers who qualified to compete at Sydney West and thanks to our coaches, families and schools for their ongoing support.

Other Representative Achievements

In addition to the Sydney West Championships, Tomas Dlesk represented his school at the Sydney North Championships on Monday, gaining valuable representative experience at a highly competitive meet.

Merrylands also had seven swimmers represent Cumberland Zone at the Parramatta Diocese level on 4 March — an excellent achievement for all swimmers involved.

Daniel Brancatisano
Ruth Brancatisano
Xavier Ou
Khoder Sutherland
Sebastian Harb
Elijah Harb
Lachlan Barden

Two Merrylands swimmers have been recognised for their outstanding performances at the Merrylands/Parramatta PSSA Zone Championships, held on 4th March at Merrylands Swimming Centre.

Damien Chan was awarded the 11 Years Age Champion, while William Johnston received the Senior Age Champion title. Age Champion honours are determined by points earned from placings across the individual events within each age group.

Both swimmers only learned of their achievements when the age‑champion banners were presented today at the Sydney West Championships.

These awards are a fitting recognition of the hard work and commitment both swimmers have put into their training throughout the season. Congratulations to Damien and William on their achievements.

Training and Club Races continue through April, including the school holidays; however, there is no training or races on the following dates:

• Saturday 4th April - Easter Saturday
• Monday 6th April - Easter Monday
• Tuesday 7th April (no morning training - afternoon sessions on as usual)
• Saturday 25th April - Anzac Day
• Monday 27th April - Anzac Day Public Holiday
• Tuesday 28th to 30th April - Australian Masters Championships

Do you need to put your enrolment on hold?

If you are going to miss a full calendar month of training you can put your enrolment on hold for that month. To put your enrolment on hold for a full calendar month, submit the form below by the 26th March. If the form is not submitted by then, you will be charged for the next month.

Training Break Form

If you are going to miss a small number of sessions, you can submit your absences through the Swim School System up to one month in advance.

See Also

• Training Break Form
• Training Schedule
• Club Races - Online Entries

Saturday Club Races

Club races start at 7:00am, but we still need our awesome helpers there by 6:45 latest to help set up, especially as we have the 1500m and last championship for the season. The 1500m Freestyle culminates a terrific season of championship racing. We are likely to have 2 heats and really need everyone arriving by 6.45am to help with timekeeping and to cheer on our swimmers.

Easter Fun Coming Up!

Keep an eye out around the clubhouse for our Easter Egg Jar Guessing Competition!

🍫 1 guess = $2

🍫 3 guesses = $5

We also have Easter Raffle Tickets available:

🎟 1 ticket = $2

🎟 3 tickets = $5

And don’t forget - our Easter BBQ Breakfast is on Saturday 28th!

If you have an Easter parade hat lying around at home, bring it along and wear it on the day. Some of our swim kids have already made some fantastic hats that their parents will be proudly wearing!

Let’s make it a fun morning both in and out of the pool!

Perpetual Trophies Reminder

As the final week of club races draws closer, please ensure that any perpetual trophies currently in your possession are returned, dusted and ready to be presented to their next deserving winners.

Swimmer Spotlight – Peter Mallet

This week we shine the spotlight on one of our Masters swimmers whose journey shows that it’s never too late to get back in the pool.

Tell us about your swimming journey

A: The only Learn to Swim classes I did were five free lessons at Mount Druitt Swimming Pool when I was 5 years old. Later in life, I needed a non-impact exercise to help recover from some injuries, so I started swimming on my own at Blacktown Pool. After a while it became boring swimming laps alone, so I joined Blacktown Masters for squad training (not competitive swimming). Then I needed a morning squad, which is when I signed up for Merrylands. Swimming has helped my injuries — it can’t fix everything, but it helps me stay fitter and stronger. Squad training has also helped me learn better technique and stay motivated by other swimmers. I then had another injury and took a break, but I have recently returned this season.

What brought you back to our Club?

A: I live at Doonside and Merrylands Pool is on the way home from work. If I hadn’t been injured again, I wouldn’t have stopped with Merrylands. It’s a lovely small club with nice people, and the way we train is interesting and motivating. I’ll keep coming back because I want to stay fit and keep improving.

Favourite stroke

A: I can only really do Freestyle. Backstroke and Breaststroke are OK. I cannot do Butterfly — or as I like to call it, the “drowning moth” stroke.

Best swimming achievement so far

A: Just turning up to squad training and being consistent. I haven’t missed a session since rejoining Merrylands in December 2025, and I hope to keep coming for fitness and maintenance.

Something interesting about you

A: I have five kids and a large motorcycle (ZX1400) that I love taking out for a spin. I’m also a member of an Archery Club in Werrington and have been for about 6–7 years (6..7). I do it for fitness and fun and enjoy having a yarn there while trying to get on top of the point score.

Club AGM & Annual Presentation

As the season draws to a close, we turn our eyes to planning the Club AGM and Annual Presentation.

We have selected the dates for these, so we ask that you put these in your calendar:

We will provide more information as we get closer to these dates

Coaching Reminders

Attendance Reminder:

If you know you will be away from training, please remember to mark your attendance online prior to the session/s. This helps our super-duper coaches plan sessions appropriately and make sure everyone gets the most out of training.

Training Session update:

Our last training session at Merrylands will be on 23rd April. Training will then take a one-week break before returning (at Wentworthville Pool) on 4th May… also known as Star Wars Day!

Enjoy the short break, and we look forward to seeing everyone back in the pool on May the Fourth. May the Force be with you! 🏊‍

ANZAC Day Commemoration

Members are invited to attend the ANZAC Day service at Merrylands on Saturday, 25th April. This is a wonderful opportunity for our members to come together to represent our club and pay our respects.

We meet at Merrylands RSL Club and then participate in the march to Charles Mance Reserve, 6 Newman St, Merrylands. A wreath will be laid on behalf of the club, and attendees are also invited to return afterwards at Merrylands RSL Club for a breakfast provided by the RSL club.

We encourage members who are available to come along and support this important community event. More information will be provided closer to the event, so stay tuned.

P-Plate Award

We like to recognise and reward all efforts during the season, and the P-Plate award is the perfect way to recognise something silly someone has done during the season. Click on the link below to nominate someone.

Nominate a silly mistake

Seen a Problem? Get it Fixed

If you see something that needs fixing you can elevate this directly with Council by logging the issue here.

Club Uniforms

Need uniform items before the end of the season? Items can be purchased through the club’s online shop club shop.

Upcoming Meet Calendar

Check the website for the full list of upcoming meets, closing dates, programs and qualifying times.

Leo Zhu represented the club at the New South Wales State Open Championships on the weekend.

Leo swam a new personal best time in the 100m Breaststroke, finishing in a time of 1:11.59, taking a massive 0.74 seconds off his best time.

Congratulations to Leo on his swim!