Summer Season Week 2!

The swimming centre opens at 6.00am and races commence at 7.00am. It would be a great help for everyone to arrive early (from 6.30am) to help setup, so races can start on time. Remember to check the race entry email on Friday night’s and if you are in the first races you need to be ready to race on time. Championship events are held as the first races of the morning.

Club Championship Qualification

 Our Club Championship races kick off in Week (Saturday 24th October) with the 200m Individual Medley. To compete, you must have already swum that event successfully during this summer season. To make sure you don’t miss out on qualifying for other Championship events, it’s important to plan your swims well ahead.

Start of Season BBQ

Our start of season BBQ was such a hit and a great way to warm up after the sprinkly morning. Thank you to our BBQ organiser - Denise; our BBQ king - Prafulla and our baking queen - Uma!

Some people have been asking already when the next one is on! Put it in your diaries - our next BBQ breakfast is Saturday 19th December 2026 (Christmas breakfast & raffle).

Masters NSW Short Course State Championships

A huge Whaley good luck to Kylee Murray, our sole representative in the Masters NSW Short Course State Championships this weekend in Canberra. Kylee is swimming in 5 events. May the whale be with you Kylee!

Spooky Season Start

We also have a great M&M Jar Guessing Competition running over October. Need a tip, talk to Daniel Brancatisano, the guessing competition wizard. Want some of the action, see Sylvia. Draw held on Saturday 31^st October after races.

Swimming NSW Registration is open

Swimming NSW membership for 2026/2027 is open and is required to be able to enter events from today onwards. Memberships are purchased via Swim Central. Instructions on how to re-register for the Summer Season are on the How to Join page.

Club Merrylands has again kindly provided support to enable us to provide Free Membership for swimmers 8yrs & under, who regularly swim in our club races. See the club website for more information about this.

Have friends who might like to see what all the fun at our club is about? Let them know about our Come and Try membership, as this gives them a free 30-day membership to test the waters.

Learn to Swim

The club runs Learn to Swim classes for members on Saturday mornings at Merrylands Swimming Centre.

The classes cater for Children (4 to 12 years) and Adults (13 years & over) and run in two blocks.

Spring (October to December)

Summer (February to March)

Child lessons run for approximately 30 minutes and adult lessons for approximately 45 minutes.

Registration is essential and spaces are limited.

Our program is a great opportunity for people of all ages to learn how to swim or improve their skills.

The classes are affordable, small, and taught by our qualified and experienced volunteer instructors. The program aims to provide a fun and social activity for the community, as well as to prepare learners for joining the swim club.

To join, you need to register online as soon as possible, as places are limited.

Please follow this link for more information: https://www.merrylandsasc.asn.au/learntoswim/

Learn to Swim Helpers Wanted! 🏊‍♂️🏊‍♀️

 Merrylands Amateur Swimming Club (MASC) is looking for volunteers to assist with our Learn to Swim program!

We are seeking enthusiastic helpers who are willing to give a little of their time to support our younger swimmers as they develop their confidence and skills in the water.

This is a fantastic opportunity to get involved with the club, support our upcoming swimmers and contribute to our swimming community.

No previous teaching experience is necessary, just a positive attitude, willingness to help and enthusiasm for swimming!

If you're interested in helping or would like some more information, please reach out to us.

Any assistance would be greatly appreciated!

Club Captain Nominations & Voting

Nominations for the positions of Male and Female Club Captains are now open and will close at 9:30am on Week 4 (Saturday, 24th October). Financial first claim members aged 14 years and over as of the 1st of October are eligible to be nominated for these positions. Information about the duties and responsibilities of Club Captains can be found on the club website under the By-Laws section. Once nominations close, we’ll confirm acceptance from nominees and invite them to submit a bio and photo to be included in the online voting system. All financial first claim members can cast their vote in Week 6 (Saturday, 7th November). Nominate a member here: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/qSuYfheZ6g

Walk to defeat MND

We've created a Merrylands Amateur Swimming Club (MASC) team for the Sydney Walk to Defeat MND, taking place on Sunday, 8 November 2026, from 9:00 am.

If you're interested in participating, we'd love for you and your family to register and join our team!

Join the MASC team here:

https://www.walktodefeatmnd.org.au/fundraisers/merrylandsamateurswimmingclub

Event details:

https://www.walktodefeatmnd.org.au/sydney26

Please note: You'll need to register your vehicle to access the two hours of free parking.

It would be fantastic to see some MASC families getting involved and supporting such a worthwhile cause!

Raffle Winner!

Thank you everyone for attending our Spring racing carnival. We had an incredible 373 entries of swimmer races and volunteers - with Ian Wilson drawn as our lucky winner of the 2 x day passes to Sydney Action Park. He quickly found many new besties when he openly asked who wanted to be his +1! In the end, he couldn't choose just one from the lovely crowd of smiles, and instead he has kindly donated his 2 x day passes back to the Club! They will be incorporated into our Christmas raffles along with some other new and exciting prizes like local gym passes, axe throwing voucher... and many more! Stay tuned and check out the Club noticeboard/window in November when tickets go on sale for our Club Christmas raffle!

 Swimming National Integrity Framework

Following on from last week’s introduction to the Swimming Australia National Integrity Framework, we will expand upon each of the policies weekly to explore the rules that all members of our sport need to follow when it comes to their behaviour and conduct in swimming.

The first of the 6 policies is Safeguarding Children & Young People.

Children and young people have the right to feel safe and be protected from harm when playing sport. Safeguarding is about protecting children and young people by creating safe, positive and enjoyable sporting environments and experiences.

Safeguarding:

• Prioritises the safety, wellbeing and best interests of children and young people aged under 18;
• Minimises risks of harm and abuse;
• Helps children and young people, and the adults around them, understand their rights.

Everyone in sport – including athletes, coaches, officials, employees, volunteers – has a responsibility to keep children and young people safe.

Banned behaviours – a summary:

Abusive behaviour: this includes physical, sexual and emotional abuse, bullying, harassment, discrimination, grooming, victimisation and vilification.

Harmful behaviour: this includes excessive training and disciplinary actions, harmful focus on body image and offensive comments.

Private 1-on-1 communication: an adult must not communicate in person or online with a child or young person without including their parents/carers and/or sport representatives.

Supplying alcohol, drugs or unauthorised medications: this includes even common over-the-counter medications without parent/carer consent – unless in emergencies.

Preventing parental access: restricting parents/carers from observing sport or communicating with their child e.g. on sport trips.

Unauthorised transportation: transporting a child or young person without consent from their parent/carer.

Inappropriate supervision: this includes having insufficient supervision numbers or failing to protect privacy and safety in change rooms.

Crossing professional boundaries: a person in a position of authority must act appropriately and not beyond their sporting role e.g. not show favouritism, provide unsanctioned gifts.

Initial concerns can be raised with our club’s MPIO (Graham Edwards).

For more detailed information about the Swimming National Integrity Framework and each of the individual policies you can visit the following sites: https://www.swimming.org.au/resources/swimming-national-integrity-framework  https://nsw.swimming.org.au/integrity/

Swimmer Spotlight – Stefan Jambazian

Tell us about your swimming journey

I haven't done much Learn to Swim, I can't remember when I started or how long I've done it with the Club. I did well in my school swimming carnivals though - backstroke and freestyle being my strongest strokes. I think my classmates weren't very strong swimmers, so I got 1st for freestyle and 2nd for backstroke!

Favourite stroke

Freestyle, because it's easy! I don't know how to do butterfly; it looks very hard.

What I like about the Club

I like the supportive environment, and I love swimming with my family. I especially love the swim races - I try to come when I can as sometimes, I have other sport things on.

Swimming goal for this year

To beat by backstroke and breaststroke Pbs!

Something interesting about me

Apart from swimming, I love soccer, basketball, and passing/kicking a rugby ball. I also love climbing trees. Once I went on a tree and a branch snapped. I was falling and a lower branch luckily caught me, and I was hanging upside down! I love water parks, theme parks, scary movies and video games - Roblox is my favourite video game!

Club Uniforms

Need to purchase uniforms or equipment? They can be ordered and purchased through the club’s online shop, visit club shop.

If you have any questions about uniforms, please speak to Margaret Edwards (Property Officer).

Lions Club Award

Seen someone that deserves recognition for their efforts in helping? Nominate them for the Lions Club Award, our peak award to recognise our volunteers over the season.

Nominate a volunteer

P-Plate Award

As the season rolls along keep an eye out for someone making a silly mistake. We like to recognise and reward all efforts during the season, and the P-Plate award is the perfect way to do this.

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.

Upcoming Meet Calendar

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

Kylee Murray will proudly represent Merrylands at the Masters NSW Short Course State Championships, being held this weekend at the AIS Aquatic Centre in Canberra.

Kylee will be the club's sole representative at the championship meet and will compete in five events across the two-day competition:

• 200m Freestyle
• 50m Freestyle
• 100m Backstroke
• 50m Backstroke
• 100m Freestyle

These events will provide an excellent opportunity for Kylee to test herself against some of the state's best Masters swimmers while proudly representing Merrylands on the competition stage.

We wish Kylee all the best for the competition and look forward to hearing about her performances in Canberra.

The Masters NSW Short Course State Championships will be held on 10-11 October 2026 at the AIS Aquatic Centre, Canberra.

Summer Season Welcome

A welcome to everyone as we commence our 2026/2027 Summer season of races.

We hope you enjoy a great season, full of exciting races and spending time at the pool with your family and friends.

The swimming centre opens at 6.00am and races commence at 7.00am. It would be a great help for everyone to arrive early (from 6.30am) to help setup, so races can start on time. Remember to check the race entry email on Friday night’s and if you are in the first races you need to be ready to race on time. Championship events are held as the first races of the morning.

Online entries for Club Races close at 8.00pm on the Thursday before races. There will be no late or manual entries accepted this season. Entries for the next few weeks have been published so get your entries in by the closing date and time.

Spring Racing Carnival events did not accumulate any points towards the Summer Season Graded Races Point Score and these swims do not qualify for Club Championship qualification in the Summer Season. So it is important to look ahead at the program and ensure that you complete the swims you need to qualify for this season’s Championship races.

The draw for attendees of our Spring Racing Carnival to win 2xDay Passes to Sydney Action Park (renamed Wet & Wild) will be held during our welcome Breakfast BBQ after races. With a successful Spring race program, we have a total of 373 entries in the draw. Good luck to everyone who is in the draw 😊

We have a great M&M Jar Guessing Competition running over October. Need a tip, talk to Daniel Brancatisano, the guessing competition wizard. Want some of the action, see Sylvia. Draw held on Saturday 31^st October after races.

Swimming NSW Registration is open

Swimming NSW membership for 2026/2027 is open and is required to be able to enter events from today onwards. Memberships are purchased via Swim Central. Instructions on how to re-register for the Summer season are on the How to Join page.

Club Merrylands has again kindly provided support to enable us to provide Free Membership for swimmers 8yrs & Under, who regularly swim in our club races. See the club website for more information about this.

Have friends who might like to see what all the fun at our club is about? Let them know about our Come and Try membership, as this gives them a free 30-day membership to test the waters.

Coaches Corner

I am so excited for the commencement of the Summer Racing Season. Congratulations to all our competitors who raced in the Spring Racing Season, we had so many fabulous results already and a great taste test of the season to come! Our Junior and Development squads made some wonderful progress during our September Skills Sessions.

We worked on refining our freestyle leg drive off our starts, backstroke starts and arches, backstroke finishes, IM turns and relay changeovers and I look forward to seeing the skills in practice at club races and our upcoming carnivals.

There is no training on Monday 5^th October or Morning Session on Tuesday 6^th October (due to the Labour Day Public Holiday). If you will be away in the school holidays, please log your absences in the parent portal.

Club Uniforms

Need to purchase uniforms or equipment? They can be ordered and purchased through the club’s online shop, visit club shop.

We have already seen a number of “lost” items during the Spring races, so please take the time to put your name on all items of clothing and swimming equipment. It makes it that much easier to return items to the owner 😊

If you have any questions about uniforms, please speak to Margaret Edwards (Property Officer).

Swimming National Integrity Framework

Swimming Australia and its Member Organisations remain fully committed to the protection of children, young people and all members in our sport and encourage swimming clubs throughout Australia to familiarise themselves with the policies and to raise the issue of child safety to everyone involved in their club.

We are committed to providing children and young people with positive and nurturing experiences and will strive to ensure that children and young people are protected from harm.

We aim to ensure that swimming is a safe, fair and inclusive environment for all participants.

The National Integrity Framework (NIF) is a set of rules that all members of our sport need to follow when it comes to their behaviour and conduct in swimming including obligations to report misconduct. Those rules are contained in the following policies:

1. Safeguarding Children & Young People Policy
2. Member Protection Policy
3. Improper Use of Drugs and Medicine Policy
4. Competition Manipulation & Sports Gambling Policy
5. Complaints, Disputes & Discipline Policy (CDDP)
6. Code of Conduct

Club’s and Metro South West Area each have a Member Protection Information Officer (MPIO). An MPIO is responsible for providing information about a person's rights, responsibilities and options to an individual making a complaint or raising a concern, as well as information support during the process. MPIOs don’t handle complaints or investigate grievances, and they don’t mediate between members or stakeholders.

Initial concerns can always be raised with our club’s MPIO (Graham Edwards).

Both Swimming Australia and Swimming NSW have extensive resources available on their websites, and these provide you with all of the information available. We encourage everyone in our club (whether a member of not) to be familiar with the NIF and the policies contained within it, as they apply to all of us.

https://www.swimming.org.au/resources/swimming-national-integrity-framework

https://nsw.swimming.org.au/integrity/

Swimmer Spotlight – Christian Jambazian

This week we learn about one of our progressing younger members, Christian Jambazian, one of the Jambazian clan we see every week.

Tell us about your swimming journey

I did Learn to Swim at Top Ryde from when I was young to about 8 years old. Then I moved to our Club's Learn to Swim program. At my first school swimming carnival in year 3, I got 3^rd place in 50m free so I knew it was my strongest. Then after a year learning to swim with the Club, I really improved at my next school swimming carnivals where each year I progressively got a mix of 1st, 2nd and 3rd places. At this year's school swimming carnival, I came 1st in free and breast and 2nd in backstroke! I'm so proud of my swimming progression.

Favourite stroke

Freestyle, because it's the easiest to do with only arms and legs requiring technique. My least favourite is backstroke, because I can't breathe properly. I haven't really done butterfly except when I did a mystery medley event recently. It actually wasn't too bad.

What do you like about our Club?

I love the swimming races and learn to swim program.

Favourite/Proudest swimming achievement

To get to 50m breaststroke. I did really well at one of our meets, but I just need to break the 25m time at our Saturday races to progress to 33m, then finally 50m!

Something interesting about me

I like to read a lot of different series. I've done Harry Potter and now I've started reading The Hobbit but I'm starting to get bored of it, so maybe I'll move onto the Lord of the Rings series. I always read books first before watching the movie. I also play basketball and have been doing basketball competitions and school gala days. I also like playing soccer.

Upcoming Meet Calendar

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

October M&M Guessing Competition

2025/2026 was one of the most successful seasons in recent club history. Record attendances at club races, growing membership, excellent representative performances, club record-breaking swims, major success in Masters Swimming and a thriving club community combined to make it another memorable year for Merrylands Amateur Swimming Club.

The club continued to grow throughout the season, welcoming 37 new members and increasing overall membership. The continued support of Club Merrylands again enabled the club to provide free membership for swimmers aged eight years and under, helping attract new young swimmers and their families to the club.

The club's Learn to Swim program also enjoyed a successful year, with participation increasing significantly from previous seasons. The program continued to provide an important pathway for new swimmers entering the club and was made possible through the efforts of Kylee Murray, the Learn to Swim Committee, instructors and volunteers who worked tirelessly throughout the season.

Club races were a major highlight throughout the summer season. Attendance reached levels not seen for many years, with an average of 50 swimmers attending each week and a season high of 62 swimmers. The final club race morning before Christmas recorded the highest attendance at club races since 5 February 2000, reflecting the continued growth and strength of the club community and creating a fantastic atmosphere around the pool each Saturday morning.

The club's coaching program also enjoyed one of its most successful years. Under Head Coach Alison Johnston, 67 swimmers participated in the squad program and achieved outstanding results at all levels of competition. Eighty-seven percent of eligible swimmers represented their schools at Diocesan Championships, ninety-three percent reached Zone level and every swimmer in the Development and Age Squads qualified for the Metro South West Championships.

In the club competitions, some members successfully defended titles while others emerged as new champions. Alison Johnston enjoyed a remarkable season, claiming the Champion of Champions Award, Masters Swimmer of the Year and Senior Handicap Trophy. William Johnston finished as the club's highest overall Graded Pointscore scorer, while Damien Chan received the Jim Pye Development Award and Daniel Brancatisano was presented with the Jack Smart Encouragement Award.

The club's representative swimmers enjoyed another outstanding season, with members competing successfully at Area, Metropolitan, State Age, State Open, State Masters, Australian Masters and World Championship level. For the first time, Coralie Havea and Jay Shrestha qualified for both Metropolitan and State Age Championships, while Leo Zhu continued his impressive representative career with qualification for both State Age and State Open Championships. Our representatives produced numerous personal best performances and continued the club's proud tradition of success beyond the local level.

The club's swimmers also enjoyed tremendous success at school swimming carnivals throughout the season. Squad members achieved outstanding representation at Zone, Diocesan and Sydney West Championships, with numerous School and Zone Age Champions crowned throughout the year. Damien Chan was awarded 11 Years Age Champion and William Johnston was awarded Senior Age Champion at the Merrylands/Parramatta PSSA Championships.

The Club Championships produced some exceptional performances and several long-standing records were broken throughout the season.

Championship Records Broken

Leo Zhu

• 16 Years Boys 100m Freestyle
• Open Men's 100m Freestyle
• 16 Years Boys 100m Backstroke
• 16 Years Boys 50m Breaststroke
• 16 Years Boys 100m Breaststroke
• Open Men's 100m Breaststroke

Coralie Havea

• 12 Years Girls 50m Freestyle, breaking a record that had stood since 1982/1983.

Kylee Murray

• Veterans Women's 400m Freestyle.

Pavla Hannan

• Veterans Women's 50m Breaststroke.

The club hosted the Cumberland Inter-Club Cup in November. While Merrylands was unable to reclaim the trophy, it was fantastic to see a team of 42 swimmers competing strongly while displaying outstanding club spirit and teamwork. The event was also a tremendous success thanks to the efforts of dozens of volunteers and supporters.

In February, the annual Merrylands SwimFest was again one of the highlights of the season. The meet attracted 32 clubs and 182 swimmers, with Merrylands swimmers producing 55 personal best times and winning 34 individual and relay medals. The club finished third overall in the pointscore, narrowly missing second place by only 14 points.

The club's Masters swimmers also enjoyed another highly successful season. Members represented Merrylands at State, National and World Championship level. At the NSW State Masters Championships, the club won ten medals, while at the Australian Masters Championships, Kylee Murray and Leanne Tovkach combined for ten personal best times. Kylee's bronze medal in the 800m Freestyle was among the highlights of the national championships.

Away from the pool, the club continued to strengthen its reputation as a family-oriented community club. Water polo clinics, diving clinics, trivia nights, BBQ breakfasts, Christmas celebrations, Easter activities and numerous fundraising initiatives helped bring members together throughout the season. One of the year's major achievements was participation in the Walk to Defeat MND, where club members raised more than $13,500 for an important cause.

The season concluded with the club's Presentation Evening, where the achievements of swimmers and volunteers were recognised. Highlights included Leanne Tovkach being awarded Life Membership, Sylvia Chan receiving the Lions Award for outstanding service and Alison Johnston being added to the club's Representative Wall in recognition of more than a decade of representative success.

The club also recognised a number of members for their long-term contribution through Service Excellence Awards. Congratulations to Peter Johnston, Ian Johnston, Christine Liepins, Margaret Edwards and Graham Edwards, who were recognised for their outstanding service and dedication to the club over many years.

The club also continued to support the wider swimming community throughout the season. In addition to hosting the Cumberland Inter-Club Cup and Merrylands SwimFest, the club again provided its timing equipment and technical services for the Merrylands/Parramatta PSSA Zone Swimming Carnival. The event provided hundreds of local school swimmers with the opportunity to compete using fully electronic timing equipment and remains an important part of the club's contribution to swimming within the local community.

The season also saw Graham Edwards receive the Aloysius Koh Services to Swimming Award from Metro South West for his contribution to technical officiating, while ten club members were recognised through the Swimming Australia Junior Excellence Program.

As we look ahead to the 2026/2027 season, the club enters another year in a strong position. Attendance at club races is at its highest level in more than 25 years, membership continues to grow and more swimmers than ever are progressing through the representative ranks. Combined with the dedication of our coaches, volunteers, sponsors and supporters, the future remains bright for Merrylands Amateur Swimming Club.

Spring Racing concludes today

Well, those 4 weeks have flown by 😊 What a great entrée to the season, with beautiful weather for the Spring Racing Carnival.

A reminder that Spring Racing Carnival events do not accumulate any points towards the Summer Season Graded Races Point Score and these swims do not qualify for Club Championship qualification in the Summer Season.

Summer Season starts next week

October looms large and next Saturday is our opening day for the Summer Season.

From Saturday 3^rd October the swimming centre opens at 6.00am and races will commence at 7.00am. It would be a great help for everyone to arrive early (from 6.30am) to help setup, so races can start on time. Remember to check the race entry email on Friday night’s and if you are in the first races you need to be ready to race on time.

Online entries for Club Races close at 8.00pm on the Thursday before races. There will be no late or manual entries accepted this season. Entries for the next few weeks have been published so get your entries in by the closing date and time.

The draw for attendees of our Spring Racing Carnival to win 2xDay Passes to Sydney Action Park (renamed Wet & Wild) will be drawn next Saturday 3^rd October. We also have a Breakfast BBQ to welcome everyone back to club races, so stay around and enjoy the morning.

Club Uniforms

Need to purchase uniforms or equipment? They can be ordered and purchased through the club’s online shop, visit club shop.

If you have any questions, please speak to Margaret Edwards (Property Officer).

Swimming NSW Registration is open

A reminder you need to have purchased or renewed your Swimming NSW membership for 2026/2027 to be able to enter events from Saturday 3^rd October onwards. Memberships are purchased via Swim Central. Instructions on how to re-register for the Summer season are on the How to Join page.

Club Merrylands has again kindly provided support to enable us to provide Free Membership for swimmers 8yrs & Under, who regularly swim in our club races. See the club website for more information about this.

Coaches Corner

There is no training on Monday 5^th October or Morning Session on Tuesday 6^th October (due to the Labour Day Public Holiday).

If you will be away in the school holidays, please log your absences in the parent portal.

Swimmer Spotlight – Johnson Chan

This week we shine the spotlight on a quiet achiever who has stepped up and runs the computer for races every week. Thankyou Johnson, your help is greatly appreciated.

Tell us about your swimming journey

I did Learn to Swim at Cabramatta pools when I was in year 2 or 3. I only did it for a few terms and I proudly was the best swimmer of my school friends! Apart from that, I didn't do any other swimming apart from exercise laps to kill time while my boys did their swimming lessons. Eventually, I signed up as a Club Swimmer in 2023/2024 and started off racing 50m freestyle in 50secs, and by the end of the season I got it down to 40.36secs! I no longer do Club races, but I still swim laps for exercise when I can.

Favourite strokes

Breaststroke, because it doesn't hurt my shoulders and arms. I have never tried Butterfly and I wouldn't know how to do it. It'd probably hurt my shoulders and arms!

What do you like about our Club?

It's a very encouraging environment for little ones, and even for me as an adult and inexperienced racer. I remember Graham DQ'd me (something about doing a butterfly kick during breaststroke) and people would give me tips from the poolside to improve my swimming.

Favourite/Proudest swimming achievement

Seeing my boys' little feet swim by as they blitz me in 50m freestyle.

Something interesting about me

I love snowboarding and trying to keep up with my boys, I've done tandem sky diving, and I used to ride a motorbike!

School Holidays

Need to keep the kid’s engaged and entertained?

Club Merrylands has a number of events available. Keep up to date on these by visiting their website. https://www.clubmerrylands.com.au/events/category/kids-school-holiday-events

A number of our families are also organising other events. Sharp Shooters Archery has been targeted as one of these events 😊. Talk to Denise Assi, as there may still be some spots available for the booking on Tuesday 6^th October

Upcoming Meet Calendar

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

Spring Racing rolls on

We have hit the halfway mark of the Spring Racing Carnival. It has been a great chance for swimmers to tone up their racing skills ready for the Summer season. Squads have also enjoyed sessions after the races. Thank you to Alison who has given her time to provide these sessions for the squad members.

Races today include 400m distance. As we have previously advised, we will now be providing a signal to all 400m Freestyle swimmers, with timekeepers asked to ring a bell when the swimmer in their lane has two laps plus 5m to swim to finish (i.e. during the 300m turn). The signal must be repeated after the turn until the swimmer has reached the 5m mark on the lane rope.

During September the swimming centre opens at 7.00am and we aim to commence races at 7.15am.

A reminder that Spring Racing Carnival events do not accumulate any points towards the Summer Season Graded Races Point Score and these swims do not qualify for Club Championship qualification in the Summer Season.

There are two more Saturday’s where every swimmer and volunteer participating in our Spring Racing Carnival goes in the draw to win 2xDay Passes to Sydney Action Park (renamed Wet & Wild). The winner will be drawn on our first Summer season race day on Saturday 3^rd October. See the flyer at the end of Whales Tales for more information.

Club Uniforms

It’s time to check what uniforms you may need to purchase for the season. Club uniforms and equipment can be ordered and purchased through the club’s online shop, visit club shop.

If you have any questions, please speak to Margaret Edwards (Property Officer).

Swimming NSW Registration is open

A reminder it is time to renew your Swimming NSW membership via SwimCentral. Swimmers require a 2026/2027 membership to be able to enter events after 1^st October.

Instructions on how to re-register for the Summer season are on the How to Join page.

Club Merrylands has again kindly provided support to enable us to provide Free Membership for swimmers 8yrs & Under, who regularly swim in our club races. See the club website for more information about this.

Club Uniforms

It’s time to check what uniforms you may need to purchase for the season. Club uniforms and equipment can be ordered and purchased through the club’s online shop, visit club shop.

If you have any questions, please speak to Margaret Edwards (Property Officer).

Swimmer Spotlight – Jude Johnston

This week we shine the spotlight on Jude Johnston.

Tell us about your swimming journey

I started Learn to Swim with our Merrylands Club when I was really young. When I got to primary school, I didn't want to do the school's Swim Scheme program, so I tried out for our Club Squads and got into Novice! Peter was my first squad coach. I like doing squad drills where I don't need to use my legs and only using my arms.

Favourite strokes

I like Breaststroke the most. I'm getting better at Butterfly and I'm pretty good at Freestyle. Backstroke is my least favourite because I keep sinking and my kicks aren't great.

Swimming goals

Generally, I'd like to keep improving and not get any worse. This season my goal is to do 100m Butterfly! I've never done it before, only 50m and I'm getting better at it as it's starting to click and come together.

What do you like about our Club?

Just like what everyone else says - the sausage sizzles! I also enjoy hanging out with my friends here - particularly playing handball and 'digging mines'! The story behind that? About two seasons ago, the squad kids and I had a dream goal to dig a trench from the top of the hill to the bottom and meet the poolside drain. Unfortunately, with busy schedules and all, we haven't completed it yet. I'm not sure if it's now just a big hole or a little trench.

Proudest swimming achievement

Getting awarded Zone Age Champion for 11yrs boys last year!

Something interesting about me

I like playing drums - dad taught me. I can also play the Ukulele - also taught by my dad! Something funny I like to do at the beach, is to slather myself up with sunscreen and then roll around in the sand!

School Holidays

Yes, School Holidays are almost upon us again. Need to keep the kid’s engaged and entertained?

Club Merrylands will have a number of events available. Keep up to date on these by visiting their website. So far, they are advertising Kids Bingo https://www.clubmerrylands.com.au/events/category/kids-school-holiday-events

A number of our families are also organising other events. Sharp Shooters Archery has been targeted as one of these events 😊. Talk to Denise Assi, as there may still be some spots available for the booking on Tuesday 6^th October

Upcoming Meet Calendar

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

Every sporting club has traditions that help define its identity. Some are found in records and trophies, others in the memories of generations of members who have represented their club with pride. One of the most visible and enduring traditions of Merrylands Amateur Swimming Club is our colours—maroon and white.

These colours are far more than the shades that appear on our uniforms, banners, and club merchandise. They represent the values, character, and community spirit that have shaped Merrylands Amateur Swimming Club throughout its history.

The Strength of Maroon

Maroon is a colour traditionally associated with strength, determination, resilience, and achievement. It reflects the qualities required of every swimmer who steps onto the pool deck: the willingness to work hard, overcome challenges, and continually strive for improvement.

In swimming, success is rarely achieved overnight. It comes from early mornings, countless laps, personal sacrifices, and the courage to keep pushing forward. Maroon symbolises that journey. It represents the persistence required to chase personal bests, the determination to compete, and the pride that comes from giving one's best effort.

For Merrylands Amateur Swimming Club, maroon reflects the spirit of generations of swimmers who have trained, competed, and proudly represented our club in pools across the region and beyond.

The Purity of White

White has long symbolised honesty, integrity, fairness, and excellence. It reminds us that sporting success is not measured solely by medals and records, but also by the way we conduct ourselves.

At Merrylands Amateur Swimming Club, white reflects the values of good sportsmanship, respect for officials and competitors, and support for fellow club members. It represents inclusion, friendship, and the welcoming environment that has helped make our club a place where swimmers of all ages and abilities can thrive.

White also symbolises aspiration—the continual pursuit of improvement, both in the pool and as members of our community.

A Powerful Combination

Together, maroon and white create a powerful balance between achievement and character.

Maroon provides the determination to succeed; white provides the integrity with which success should be pursued.

Maroon represents effort; white represents sportsmanship.

Maroon symbolises pride in our history; white reflects the values that guide our future.

As a combination, our colours remind us that true success is achieved when dedication, respect, teamwork, and perseverance come together.

The Merrylands Spirit

For many members, the sight of maroon and white immediately brings back memories of Club mornings, carnivals, relay races, presentations and friendships formed through swimming. They recall the excitement of competition, the support of teammates and the dedication of families and volunteers whose efforts help our club thrive.

More than simply colours, maroon and white have come to symbolise the values and traditions that define Merrylands Amateur Swimming Club. They represent determination, sportsmanship, respect and community, while reminding every member that they are part of something larger than themselves: a club with a proud history and a strong sense of belonging.

Whether competing for the first time or representing the club at championship level, our swimmers become part of a tradition that spans generations. Maroon and white connect today's members with those who came before them and those who will follow in years to come.

Maroon and white are more than colours. They are a reflection of who we are, where we have come from, and the values that continue to guide Merrylands Amateur Swimming Club into the future.

Maroon for strength. White for integrity. Together, they represent the heart of Merrylands Amateur Swimming Club.

Spring Racing rolls on

A beautiful weather day to commence our racing last Saturday. Thank you to everyone who helped with setup and pack up. A reminder during September the swimming centre opens at 7.00am and we aim to commence races at 7.15am.

A reminder that Spring Racing Carnival events do not accumulate any points towards the Summer Season Graded Races Point Score and these swims do not qualify for Club Championship qualification in the Summer Season.

Every swimmer and volunteer participating in our Spring Racing Carnival goes in the draw to win 2xDay Passes to Sydney Action Park (renamed Wet & Wild). The winner will be drawn on our first Summer season race day on Saturday 3^rd October. See the flyer at the end of Whales Tales for more information.

Swimming NSW Registration is open

Instructions on how to re-register for the summer season are on the How to Join page. Swimmers can enter our Spring Racing Carnival before renewing their 2026/2027 memberships but won't be able to enter events after 1^st October unless they have a 2026/2027 membership.

With the kind support of Club Merrylands, we are again able to provide Free Membership for swimmers 8yrs & Under, who regularly swim in our club races. See the club website for more information about this.

Club Uniforms

It’s time to check what uniforms you may need to purchase for the season. Club uniforms and equipment can be ordered and purchased through the club’s online shop, visit club shop.

If you have any questions, please speak to Margaret Edwards (Property Officer).

Swimmer Spotlight – Eden & Tabitha Johnston

This week we shine the spotlight on two of our youngest swimmers.

Tabitha:

Tell us about your swimming journey

Yes, I like swimming. I like swimming with my Daddy. I don't know why. I got a rainbow pool for my birthday, and I threw the smiley one out. Daddy teaches me how to swim. I like Grandma's pool. Sometimes it's deep. I like swimming at the beach; I don't have any floaties. I was on Dad's boogie board, and I fell off it at the beach once.

Favourite stroke

Backstroke

What do you like about the Club?

Sausage sizzles. I wait a long time for my race.

Tell us something interesting about you

I like dancing. My favourite dancing is following Emma Wiggle.

Eden:

Tell us about your swimming journey

I did Learn to Swim at Blacktown Aquatic Centre. Dad also taught me how to swim. And I do Learn to Swim with the Club with Grandma.

What's your favourite stroke?

Breaststroke, because it's my fastest. My least favourite is Freestyle, it's very hard for me.

What's a Swimming Goal you have?

I want to break time and go to 33m for breaststroke and backstroke.

What do you like about the Club?

The sausage sizzles! I don't really come for the swimming, but I love seeing my friends and family here.

Tell us something interesting about you

I love reading books. I'm currently reading Matilda and I've watched the movie. I also love eating chocolate! Mint flavour is my favourite.

Do you have a joke to share?

What did the strawberry say to the bird?

Nothing. Strawberries can't talk!

Historical & Weird Swimming Facts

Benjamin Franklin invented swim fins: As a keen swimmer, the founding father designed wooden hand-paddles and foot fins when he was just 11 years old to help himself move through the water faster

The "pool smell" isn't chlorine: That strong chemical scent is actually chloramine, which forms when chlorine mixes with sweat, urine, and dirt brought into the pool by swimmers

Goggles were made from tortoise shells: In 14th-century Persia, early swimming goggles were crafted out of polished tortoise shells. Rubber versions did not appear until the 1930s (I wish I knew that before the trivia questions at Presentation last year 😊)

The Titanic had an ocean liner pool: It was the first cruise ship to feature a heated swimming pool for its first-class passengers

The Amazon River swim: In 2007, Slovenian long-distance swimmer Martin Strel swam the entire 5,256 km length of the Amazon River in 66 days

Hydrate: Swimmers are actually sweating while swimming in the pool – remember to hydrate!

Workout: When swimming, you are using EVERY major muscle in your body

Source: Google

Upcoming Meet Calendar

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

Welcome to Spring Racing

Welcome back to Merrylands Swimming Centre and our Spring Racing Carnival. With the centre opening earlier this year we are holding 4 weeks of Spring Races before we commence our Summer Season on Saturday 3^rd October. During September the swimming centre will open at 7.00am and we aim to commence races at 7.15am.

Spring Racing Carnival events do not accumulate any points towards the Summer Season Graded Races Point Score and these swims do not qualify for Club Championship qualification in the Summer Season.

The Social Committee have obtained 2 Day Passes to Sydney Action Park (renamed Wet & Wild), and we are excited to provide the opportunity to every swimmer and volunteer participating in our Spring Racing Carnival with the chance to win these 2 passes by. The winner will be drawn on our first summer season race day on Saturday 3^rd October. So, make sure you attend every week of Spring races to increase your chances to win. See the flyer at the end of Whales Tales for more information.

Committee for 2026/2027

We are pleased to advise you that following the Club’s AGM in May the following members were elected to the Committee for the coming season:

Executive Members

Committee Members

Registrar

Sylvia Chan. If you have any questions about membership, please speak with Sylvia.

Competition Committee

Alison Johnston (Race Secretary)

Peter Johnston

Tricia Johnston

Social Committee

Denise Assi (Social Secretary)

Sylvia Chan

Kylee Murray

Learn to Swim Committee

Kylee Murray (LTS Co-ordinator)

Leanne Tovkach

Matthew Vicic

Swimming NSW Registration is open

All existing members have been sent an email about registrations for the 2026/2027 season.

Instructions on how to re-register for the summer are on the How to Join page. Swimmers can enter our Spring Racing Carnival before renewing their 2026/2027 memberships but won't be able to enter events after 1^st October unless they have a 2026/2027 membership.

With the kind support of Club Merrylands, we are again able to provide Free Membership for swimmers 8yrs & Under, who regularly swim in our club races. See the club website for more information about this.

Coaches Corner

It’s great to be back at Merrylands! We had a wonderful season at Wenty with the swimmers’ consistent hard work at training culminating in excellent results during the short course season.

We’ve had one week of training already at Merrylands in glorious weather conditions and we are so excited to see what we can achieve this 2026/27 (Six Seven) season

Swim Rule Changes

Earlier this year World Aquatics (WA) altered the finish rules for Butterfly and Freestyle strokes and also now require lap counters for 400m Freestyle events (as they already do for 800m & 1500m Freestyle).

The changes include:

• FREESTYLE, BACKSTROKE & BUTTERFLY Once some part of the head of the swimmer has passed the 5m mark, immediately prior to reaching for the finish wall, the swimmer may be completely submerged;
• BREASTSTROKE & BUTTERFLY It is not permitted to roll onto the back at any time, except at the turn after the touch of the wall when it is permissible to turn in any manner as long as the body is on the breast from the beginning of the first arm stroke after leaving the wall;
• A swimmer will be permitted to use tape on one (1) or two (2) fingers or toes (including to bind together two fingers or toes) if use of the tape is required to treat or protect an injury to a finger or toe.

Whilst we do not use lap counters, we ask timekeepers to ring a bell when the swimmer in their lane has two laps plus 5m to swim to finish (for all 400m, 800m & 1500m Freestyle events). The signal must be repeated after the turn until the swimmer has reached the 5m mark on the lane rope.

This will replace the referee blowing a whistle at this time in these distance events. We have purchased a set of bells (one to share between each two lanes) to assist with this new task. The first week for this will be on Week 3 (19^th September) of the Spring Racing Carnival.

We will provide more information and instructions for this at that time.

Swimmer Spotlight – Alison Johnston

What a great way to start the year by shining the spotlight on our Head Coach Alison Johnston, oh and a swimmer who has excelled at all levels.

Tell us about your swimming journey

I started swim lessons at 3yrs old with a community run Learn to Swim program through the Berowra RSL Swimming Club. I started club races at 6yrs old and joined their Squad program around 8-9yrs old. By 14, I’d outgrown the 4-lane, 20m pool and moved to Hornsby Swim Club with their 50m pool. My initiation to the larger pool was a reality check: the coach warned me that the 9yr olds would overtake me while I adjusted to the longer distance—and he was right! Still, those days hold fond memories, right down to my routine post-swim treat - a cheap bag of stale pool-side popcorn.

Then, when I was working full-time, I moved out of the Berowra area and into Western Sydney and asked around for a local swim club to join. It was between McCredie Park and Merrylands Amateur Swimming Club (MASC). My aunty happened to work with Ian Wilson, and he had been saying great things about MASC, so I signed up here and the rest is history!

Favourite stroke

50m freestyle! I am a sprinter and it's my fastest stroke! I don't have the mental fortitude for distance. My least favourite stroke is Breaststroke - only because my HIPS DON'T LIE, they just can't do the kicking motion. But it's my favourite stroke to teach!

What do you love about the Club to keep coming back?

The Club has an amazing community about it, and I love that it's a place to allow you to challenge yourself - no matter your age or ability. I absolutely love swimming and I've been doing it for over 30 years. This is my swimming family - real and chosen!

Favourite or most memorable swimming achievement

My highest achievement would be getting Top 10 as an NSW State finalist in 50m freestyle in the 19&over event.

The most memorable moments would be having to stay focused and resilient during challenging times - competing in a 200m butterfly event right after a typhoon rudely delayed the event, and another time at a State event right before COVID lock downs kicked in. The vibe at SOPAC was eerie with the unknown of COVID, like the world was ending. Yet there I was, determined, locked in and smashed some Pbs!

My proudest achievement has been returning to the pool after having William and proving that new priorities don't have to slow down your passion. I have Peter to thank for that because he helped me achieve things I didn't know I could achieve. The water doesn't know your age - If you bring the determination and give it your all, there is no limit to what you can achieve.

Swimming goals

As a coach, I never ask my Squad members to push their limits without pushing my own. My main target this season is breaking back under the 30-seconds for 50m Freestyle. My stretch goal is to earn a spot on the World Aquatics Masters Top 10 list. Every Masters meet is an opportunity for me to make this dream come true.

Something interesting about you

I have a fear of mannequins! It started from a seemingly innocent childhood school excursion to Old Sydney Town. We visited a classroom where a mannequin teacher was pointing to a blackboard. As I walked past it, admiring the remake of an old classroom, the mannequin yelled out and started moving! It was a person pretending to be a mannequin! Now I have this fear any mannequin is a person and will talk and jump scare me at any moment. Dressing mannequins in my past casual jobs and doing CPR refresher courses, terrify me! I even tried exposure therapy at Madame Tussauds - wasn't helpful.

Message to the Squad members

"I’m so proud of the work you’ve put in and everything you’ve achieved so far. As we head into another great season back at our home pool, keep pushing yourself and raise the bar. I can’t wait to watch each of you grow, hit new PBs, and unlock your full potential!"

Club Uniforms

As the new season starts it is time to check what uniforms you may need to purchase. Our range of club uniforms and equipment can be ordered and purchased through the club’s online shop club shop.

If you have any questions, please speak to Margaret Edwards (Property Officer).

A reminder to ensure all uniforms and equipment have the swimmers name on them, as it difficult to identify who owns items left behind at the pool.

Upcoming Meet Calendar

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

Registration for the 2026/2027 season is now open and instructions on how to re-register for the summer are on the How to Join page.

Registration is conducted through Swim Central. We are pleased to advise that there has been no increase in membership fees for this season; however, there has been a small change to the membership categories. Club Swimmers are now eligible to compete at Area championships, so you may want to review your membership type before purchasing if you compete at this level.

We are again providing Free Membership for swimmers 8yrs & Under, who regularly swim in our club races.

All parents and adults who regularly attend the Club Races on Saturday mornings are requested to join the club as Non-Swimming Members (unless they want to swim).
There are a number of benefits to being a registered member of the club. Members are entitled to vote at Annual General and Special General meetings, vote for our Club Captains and can be recognised for their service to the club through awards such as the Lions Club Award, Life Membership or Service Excellence Awards.

Swimmers 18yrs & Over have the option of additionally registering as a Masters Competitor. This allows them to participate in Masters Swimming activities including external meets, State and National Championships.

Finally, don't forget to order your club uniforms through our Online Store.

See Also

• Club Membership
• How to Join
• Free Membership for 8yrs & Under