Saturday Club Races

Welcome to the third club race championship of 2026. Today's championships are the 25m, 50m and 200m Freestyle. Good luck to all those participating!

We will be using our touchpads this morning in testing for SwimFest. As you know there is a fair bit of setup to have all the touchpads installed ready for racing to commence. With a packed morning program (Freestyle championships are our most popular championship morning) we need extra helpers bright and early at pool deck to help set up at 6:15am.

With Learn to Swim also starting today after club races we need to ensure club races run as quickly and smoothly as possible.

Please ensure your family of swimmers are aware of what events they are swimming and are ready at marshalling before their name is even called!

Merrylands SwimFest

SwimFest is only 2 weeks away! The last chance for all swimmers to enter is today (entries close online at 5:00pm). So, if you have not entered yet make sure you do when you are back home after club races today.

Thank you to all that have volunteered to help, we are still in need of some awesome bakers for our bake sale. So, if you're interested in baking some baked goods, please speak to Sylvia ASAP.

We have a timeline prepared for the setup jobs we need to complete, so we are asking that parents arrive by 11.30am on the day to help.

• 11:30am: Set up commences
• 12:45pm: Swimmers need to have arrived and changed ready for warm-up
• 1pm: Swimmers warm up commences
• 2pm: Racing commences

Please remember that SwimFest is a whole pod effort and cannot be done without the support of our fantastic volunteers, so if you are able to help, please speak to Sylvia.

Let's make this meet as smooth and successful as possible and show the other clubs how AWESOME our Club is!

Speedo Sprint Series

Merrylands’ team of 15 swimmers delivered outstanding performances at the Metro South West Speedo Sprint Heats at Sydney Olympic Park last Sunday. Our swimmers competed in 49 individual events and achieved an incredible 40 new personal best times with every swimmer contributing to the PB tally. The Breaststroke events were particularly impressive, especially coming just one day after our Breaststroke Club Championships, with many swimmers lowering their times twice in two days. Across the meet, the team recorded PBs in nearly every event, highlighting strong progress in Freestyle, Butterfly, Backstroke and Breaststroke, and showcasing the impact of consistent training and skill development across all squads.

Beyond the times on the scoreboard, our swimmers demonstrated excellent race skills, particularly in their starts and finishes, reflecting the hard work happening in Development, Junior and Novice squads. It was also fantastic to see swimmers increasingly analysing their races and learning from each swim, a key part of long-term improvement.

Outside the pool, the team spirit was just as impressive, with swimmers cheering each other on, helping swimmers to marshall and celebrating achievements together. A big thank you to all parents and families for their support throughout the day, and to Alison, Peter, and Matt for preparing the swimmers so well for competition and a special thank you for Peter and Alison being there supporting all our swimmers!

From cheers to positive encouragement, parents and swimmers showed exactly what Merrylands is all about. Teamwork!

Lions Club Nominees

Our club cannot operate without our amazing volunteers, the Lions Club award recognises our volunteers, this month we received nominations for:

Thanks again to all our volunteers, and if you would like a chance to get on this list, help around the club as much as possible. If you would like to nominate someone, you can do so Here: Lions club.

Squad Training Reminder

If you will miss a session please remember to mark your absence in the swim school system via the parent portal.

Club Records Broken – 50m Breaststroke Championships

Congratulations to Pavla Hannan and Leo Zhu, who both set new club records in the 50m Breaststroke Championships last week!

Pavla lowered her own Veterans 50m Breaststroke record, stopping the clock at 52.22, an impressive 1.53 seconds faster than her previous mark set just last year, a fantastic achievement.

Leo followed with another record-breaking swim, taking 1.77 seconds off the long-standing 16 years 50m Breaststroke record, finishing in 33.52. The previous record had been held by Anthony Ventra (set in 2009).

A huge congratulations to both Pavla and Leo on their outstanding performances! 🐋💙

Swimmer Spotlight – William Johnston

This week we shine the spotlight on a swimmer who has grown steadily from Learn to Swim into Development squad and loves both the racing and the social side of our club.

Q1: Tell us about your swimming journey

A: I started Learn to Swim as a toddler with one of my mum’s friends in Bankstown — I also swam the 15m club races as a toddler! Then I did Learn to Swim with the Merrylands Swimming Club on Saturdays with our wonderful club instructors. I’ve been swimming consistently since and have now progressed into Development squads.

Q2: What is your favourite thing about our Club?

A: I love the social side of the club, seeing all my friends and hanging out with them… and then maybe the swimming part!

Q3: What is your favourite stroke?

A: Backstroke! It’s nice and chill. My least favourite is Breaststroke because it’s slow and tiring.

Q4: What is your proudest swimming achievement?

A: Getting a big 5-second PB in the 100m Freestyle at SOPAC’s MSW Long Course Championships in November 2025. At first, I thought it was a timing issue, but it was true and I was so excited! My parents said I did a really good job. I’m also proud of making it to my school’s Zone swimming carnival every year for all strokes.

Q5: What is your swimming goal for this year?

A: Crack down on my 400m Freestyle time which is currently in the 7 minutes. I haven’t done it in a while, and I want to get into the 6 minutes!

Q6: What is something interesting about you?

A: I love reading about maps and atlases. I even like watching TV shows about trains just to see the train routes. I know all the Sydney CityRail and Regional network maps. My favourite train journey was the Sydney–Melbourne XPT overnight ride, it was very comfortable having the train rocking me to sleep.

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

We have recently logged issues with Council about the changerooms (repairs & cleaning) and the loose tiles on the pool coping, so we know raising issues flags them for attention by Council.

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

Club Uniforms

We have a great range of club uniforms in stock available for sale. These can be purchased through the club’s online shop club shop.

With the cooler month’s approaching (we don’t call it winter) you may need a club hoodie. These require a special order to be placed with our suppliers. If you are interested in ordering a club hoodie, please speak to Margaret (our fantastic Property Officer).

Merrylands Parramatta PSSA Zone Carnival

We will be providing our timing system and services again this year to the Merrylands Parramatta PSSA Zone carnival. This is a fundraising activity for our club.

The meet will be held on Wednesday 4^th March at Merrylands Swimming Centre.

We will need to setup touchpads, shade shelters etc for their use, so if you are able to assist with the setup or longer during the day (we will also need to pack up after the meet), please let Graham know.

Tri to Swim – SwimFest prize pack

We are pleased to let you know that we have received a great prize pack donated by Tri to Swim for the SwimFest raffle (thank you Kylee for the referral). Tri to Swim are a family business and have been operating since 2018.

Tri to Swim cater for performance swimming and competition along with squad training swimwear and essential equipment.

They stock Arena, Speedo, Engine, Funkita, Finis, Vorgee, Amanzi and DMC. For those wishing to purchase a Racesuit, they can also assist with fitting.

10% member discount for local swim club members (with free sign up).

Contact information and hours of operation:

4a/89 Batt St, Jamisontown. NSW. 2750

Phone: 0424464407

Email: tritoswim@yahoo.com

Open Wed-Fri 11am - 5pm & Sat 10am-2pm

“The Difference between an Interest and a Commitment”

If you know a business that would like to assist with sponsorship or prizes for raffles etc, please speak to Graham.

Upcoming Meet Calendar

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

The 2026 Merrylands SwimFest Swim Meet will be held at Merrylands Swimming Centre on Saturday, 21st February, 2026.

Entries are open, and will close on Saturday, 7th February, 2026. This is our club's carnival so all club members are expected to attend.

For more information visit the Merrylands SwimFest section of our website.

See Also

• Merrylands SwimFest Swim Meet

Merrylands’ team of 15 swimmers had amazing results at the Metro South West Speedo Sprint Heats held at Sydney Olympic Park today.  Our team competed in 49 individual events and achieved 40 new personal best times! Every swimmer contributed to the PB tally. The Breaststroke events were particularly impressive, given we had only held our Breaststroke Club Championships yesterday, and 7 of our swimmers were able to reduce their mark twice in two days.  We achieved 13 out of 15 personal bests in Breaststroke, 12 out of 15 in Freestyle, 7 out of 10 in Butterfly and 8 out of 9 in Backstroke.

Coralie built on her results from Metrops and State, finishing 5^th in the 50m Freestyle and 50m Backstroke, both in new personal best times and narrowly missing a place in the finals.  Coralie also achieved a new personal best in the 50m Breaststroke. 

Gabriella achieved 3 from 3 new personal best times, including a 3-second personal best in 50m Butterfly.

Daniel further reduced his Breaststroke best achieved yesterday and also set a new best in the 50m Freestyle.

Grace was on fire, achieving 3 new best times, after just setting 2 of these times yesterday!

Damien dipped under the 50-second mark for the first time in his 50m Breaststroke and also set a new best in the 50m Freestyle.

Marcus was 4 from 4 with quality swimming across the board and earning some massive time drops.

Lara demonstrated solid progress in her 50m Butterfly, smashing her existing time and also setting another 3 bests.

Patrick absolutely nailed his starts and came away with 3 new best times.

Anna lowered her Breaststroke mark twice this weekend and also picked up a new best in the 50m Freestyle.

Jude also did the double Breaststroke PB this weekend and further reduced his Freestyle time.

William demonstrated tremendous skills in his starts and earned himself 3 new personal best times.

Xavier had a wonderful swim in the 50m Breaststroke, achieving a new PB after already breaking his time yesterday.

Lily took off time in both the 50m Backstroke and 50 Butterfly, almost breaking the minute for the first time.

Jay reset from the 50m Breaststroke to earn 3 new personal best times in the other events, including a scorcher in the 50m Freestyle.

Samantha achieved an 100% personal best rate and demonstrated some zippy speed work off her starts.

Our skills shone, and I would like to highlight our swimmers' starts and finishes across all age groups, showcasing the work the Development, Junior, and Novice squads have been doing at training.  It has also been delightful debriefing with the swimmers after their races.  Swimmers, particularly in the Development squad, are becoming more proficient at critically analysing their race, and this will assist them greatly as they progress with their swimming.

Outside of the pool, I am very pleased with our swimmers’ conduct at the meet.  The support for their fellow swimmers by cheering during racing, celebrating achievements or assisting each other when to head to marshalling was fantastic.

Thank you to all the parents and siblings for their support throughout the day, and thank you to Peter and Matt for all their work to help get the kids race-ready.

Congratulations to Pavla Hannan and Leo Zhu who set new records in the 50m Breaststroke Championships this morning.

Pavla set a new record in the Veterans 50m Breaststroke in time of 52.22. beating her own record by 1.53 seconds.  Pavla had set this record only last year. 

Leo broke the second record of the morning, taking 1.77 seconds off the previous record in the 16yrs 50m Breaststroke, finishing in 33.52. This record had been held by Anthony Ventra since 2009.

Congratulations to Pavla and Leo on their swims.

See Also

• Championship Records

Saturday Club Races

Welcome to second club race championship of 2026. Today's championship is the 50m and 200m Breaststroke. Good luck to all those participating!! Please arrive as early as possible to help setup.  

Last week we had a few swimmers dive in and luckily didn’t lose their board shorts! This was a mini celebration held every Saturday closest to Australia day. We all hope you had a great Australia day!

Speedo Sprint

Merrylands has a team of 15 swimmers competing at the Speedo Sprint Series Heats at the Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre on Sunday.

Our team is competing in 51 individual events at the meet and consists of:

1. Gabriella Assi
2. Daniel Brancatisano
3. Grace Brancatisano
4. Damien Chan
5. Marcus Chan
6. Lara Hannan
7. Patrick Hannan
8. Coralie Havea
9. Anna Johnston
10. Jude Johnston
11. William Johnston
12. Xavier Ou
13. Lily Palise
14. Jay Shrestha
15. Samantha Terry

Good luck to our team at the meet, especially those swimming at their first Speedo Sprint Series!

Merrylands SwimFest

SwimFest is just a few more swims away, all swimmers who can swim, Masters as well, should be competing at SwimFest and representing our club. Make sure you enter if you have not already. Entries close on Saturday 7^th February, which is next week, (so it’s time to enter this weekend!). Merrylands members can use the special member button for discounted entry fees.

As always SwimFest is not run by a loan Whale but the entire pod, so please step forward and let Sylvia Chan (Meet Director) know you are available.  Please do this ASAP!  

You can also sign up to help on this form: https://forms.microsoft.com

Squad Reminders

Firstly, this is a reminder everyone who attends club, please remember to mark your absences in the swim school system, if you are not attending squad throughout the week as soon as possible. This helps with preparation and the smooth running of the squad.

Secondly, there will be no training on the Monday, 2^nd of February.

Swimmer Spotlight – Ruth Brancatisano

This week we shine the spotlight on a brave and determined young swimmer whose confidence has grown tremendously since starting Learn to Swim.

Q1: Tell us about your swimming journey

A: I started Learn to Swim when I was 2 years old at North Rocks. I was so scared of swimming that I cried and screamed every time. Then I went up a level, and I didn’t cry as much. I then completed a level at Parramatta Pools and shortly after trialled for Mini Squads and made it in! Mini Squads scared me at first but now I’m not scared anymore. I’m so excited to be in Mini Squads because it’s more challenging and I feel braver.

Q2: Favourite thing about our Club

A: Friendly people and good culture.

Q3: What is your favourite stroke?

A: Freestyle, because it’s easy, fast and fun. My least favourite stroke is Backstroke because I always hit the lane ropes.

Q4: Proud swimming achievements

A:

• Getting into Mini Squads
• At my school swimming carnival, I came first in all strokes!
• When I was a baby, I was proud when I put my head under the water for the first time. I did cry a lot, but I did it, and I remember that moment very well.

Q5: Swimming goals for this year

A: • To progress to higher level squads like my sister (Grace) and brother (Daniel), I think I can do it this year!

• To break the 33m Breaststroke time, I’m very close, off by just 1 second.

Q6: Something interesting about you

A: I do competitive gymnastics and I’m good at it, my favourites are Beam and Bars.

In Kindergarten I used to be shy, but since Year 2, I’m not shy and I can’t stop talking (my teachers love it!). I’m a little scared of heights and on my recent Tasmania trip I couldn’t climb a rope tree that my friend wanted me to do, but I hope to do it next time I visit. I also got a hole in my foot from that holiday!

Upcoming Meet Calendar

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

Merrylands has a team of 15 swimmers competing at the Speedo Sprint Series Heats at the Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre this weekend.

Our team is competing in 51 individual events at the meet and consists of:

Gabriella Assi
Daniel Brancatisano
Grace Brancatisano
Damien Chan
Marcus Chan
Lara Hannan
Patrick Hannan
Coralie Havea
Anna Johnston
Jude Johnston
William Johnston
Xavier Ou
Lily Palise
Jay Shrestha
Samantha Terry

Good luck to our team at the meet, especially those swimming at their first Speedo Sprint Series!

Saturday Club Races

Welcome to first club race championship of 2026. Today's championship is the 50m Butterfly, and the 200m Butterfly. Good luck to all those participating!! Along with this, as this is the weekend right before Australia day, we will be having our annual board short relays. No payment of entry required, just show up read to swim in your board shorts. Please arrive as early as possible to help setup.

Last Saturday was the opposite of the week before, although we started off strong, with our swimmers and volunteers, the weather it seems had other plans. We would like to thank everyone who helped pack up, during the torrential rain and all the volunteers who still came that morning to help set up and run the event.  

Squad Reminders:

Firstly, this is a reminder everyone who attends club, please remember to mark yourself absent in the swim school system, if you are not attending squad throughout the week as soon as possible. This helps with preparation and the smooth running of the squad.

Secondly, Speedo Sprint Series heats are coming up on Sunday 1st February and the entries for the meet closed on Thursday, 22nd January, so thank you and good luck to all swimmers who entered!!

Most importantly, there will be no Training on Monday the 26^th due to Australia day.

Merrylands SwimFest

SwimFest is just a few more weeks away, all swimmers who can swim, masters as well, should be competing at SwimFest and representing our club. Make sure you enter if you have not already. This meet is great practice for all swimmers and a great opportunity to gun for some pb’s. Entries close on Saturday 7th February, so make sure you get your entries in early. Merrylands members can use the special member button for discounted entry fees.

As always SwimFest is not run by a loan Whale but the entire pod, so please step forward and let Sylvia Chan (Meet Director) know you are available.  Please do this ASAP!  

If you hate confrontation, we’ve got you covered. You can also sign up to help at this form: https://forms.microsoft.com

Spotlight on Leanne Tovkach

This week we shine the spotlight on Leanne Tovkach, a long-time member of the club whose swimming journey has come full circle, from Learn to Swim, to Masters racing, and being an important part of our club community.

Q1: Tell us about your swimming journey

A: I started Learn to Swim when I was about 5 years old at McCredie Park Club. I swam all throughout primary school and stopped after high school. I only resumed swimming when my own kids joined Learn to Swim at McCredie Park. After a bit of stop starting, I switched over to Merrylands Amateur Swimming Club because, due to work, I couldn’t do the McCredie Park club races on Friday night. I’ve been here since, about 10 years now.

Q2: Best swimming achievement

A: My favourite and surprise! achievement was getting my very first Masters medal at nationals a few years ago (2022 at SOPAC). It was surprising to get one for 100m Backstroke!

Q:3 What I love about our Club

A: The family feel, and I enjoy swimming not just against my own age group, but also younger and older swimmers.

Something interesting about me

A: I used to be a Scouts leader and I am a gamer! I play World of Warcraft (one of the biggest multiplayer online role-playing video games). I’ve been playing since it came out about 25 years ago!

General Message

If you have been enjoying the Whales Tales so far and have any Ideas on how to improve, please speak to Matt.

Upcoming Meet Calendar

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

There will be no training sessions on Monday, 26th January, due to the Australia Day holiday.

Enjoy your day. 🦘

Saturday Club Races

Welcome to third club race morning for 2026. Please arrive as early as possible to help setup. Setup is underway by 6.30am and all help is appreciated in getting this completed, especially with a number of regular helpers currently away.

Last Saturday was a blast, although it was hot, our swimmers and volunteers still managed to make a great morning out of it and swam some great times!

Another reminder that our first championships for the year will be the 50m & 200m (Open) Butterfly on Saturday, 24^th January. So enter in those races now before you run out of time!

Squad Reminders

Firstly, the weather has been getting increasingly hot, so this is a reminder to all swimmers to make sure you are bringing enough water and electrolytes to keep you hydrated while at training. A water bottle is a part of your swim gear, just like your flippers and kick board so make sure you bring it with you.

Secondly, Speedo Sprint Series heats are coming up on Sunday 1^st February. Entries for the meet close next Thursday, 22^nd January @ 9.00am, so hurry and enter fast.

Lastly, a Merrylands swimming cap is a part of your club uniform and must be warn to training! If you need to purchase a new one or any uniform, follow this link to the club shop on our website.

Merrylands SwimFest

SwimFest is just a few more weeks away, all swimmers who can swim, masters as well, should be competing at SwimFest and representing our club. Make sure you enter if you have not already. This meet is great practice for all swimmers and a great opportunity to gun for some pb’s. Entries close on Saturday 7^th February @ 5.00pm so make sure you get your entries in early. Merrylands members can use the special member button for discounted entry fees.

As always SwimFest is not run by a lone whale but the entire pod, so please step forward and let Sylvia Chan (Meet Director) know you are available.

If you hate confrontation, we’ve got you covered. You can also sign up to help at this form: https://forms.microsoft.com

Spotlight on Kylee Murray

This week we shine the spotlight on Kylee Murray, whose swimming journey spans learn-to-swim, squads, water polo, the Army, ocean swimming and Masters competition — all while being a valued and active part of our club community.

Q1: Tell us about your swimming journey

A: I started Learn to Swim at Fairfield Pools around 7 years old. Mum couldn’t swim so she made sure all her kids did — me the eldest, two sisters and a brother. About 10 years old, the Fairfield RSL Squads (no longer operating) asked me to join after seeing me swim. Cabramatta Amateur Swimming Club (also no longer operating) also asked me to join after seeing me swim, so I was part of both clubs for a while.

During high school, I pivoted from swimming to water polo. I was the speedy initial racer to get the ball and played Centre Forward. I was on the representative Water Polo team for Westfields High (wasn’t officially a sports school at the time). After leaving school, I went to the Army and joined the Army Defence water polo team where we competed in State and Country Championships. I also joined a water polo club, strangely named the Eastwood Rugby Club. A highlight was going to the Arafura Games where nations along the Arafura Sea competed in many sports, including Water Polo.

I then retired from swimming and took a break for a few years due to a leg and neck injury. About 10 years ago, I decided to do a 10km ocean swim and trained on my own leading up to that event. I noticed some friendly looking faces representing a cool swim club — Ian Wilson, Alison Johnston (and baby William in her tummy!), Peter Johnston and Steve Nguyen — and went over for a chat. I’ve been part of MASC ever since.

Q2: What is your favourite stroke?

A: Freestyle! It’s the easier one and my terrible kicks can be disguised! My least favourite stroke is Breaststroke — because of my terrible kicks. I just can’t do it!

Q3: What is your favourite swimming achievement?

A: Achieving my best 800m freestyle swim in a long time after retirement and injuries at the Australian Masters Championships in Melbourne (April 2025), and again recently at the World Aquatics Masters Championships in Singapore (August 2025).

Q4: #1 Swimming goal for this year?

A: For the Australian Masters Championships in Brisbane in April 2026, I would love to get a new PB for 800m freestyle (or at least swim as well as I did in Singapore).

Q5: What do you love about our Club?

A: I love all the “outside the pool” stuff — the community feel and connections.

Q6: What is Something interesting about you?

A: Whilst I was in the Army, my role was in Signals — deciphering Morse code and doing all the secret spy stuff you see in the movies!

And that's all from Kylee, tune in next week to see who will be featured next. Rumour has it they have already been interviewed... 👀👀

General Message

If you have been enjoying the Whales Tales so far and have any Ideas on how to improve, please speak to Matt.

Lions Club Award

We have had so many people helping out during the season and you would have seen the monthly lists of people being nominated so far this season. So let’s keep recognising our great volunteers by nominating them for the Lions Club Award 👏

Nominate a volunteer

Upcoming Meet Calendar

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

Looking for a fun, friendly and fast paced activity this summer?

Come and take part in the 2026 Speedo Sprint Series.

The Speedo Sprint Series caters for girls and boys aged between 8-13 years in 50m Freestyle, Breaststroke, Backstroke and Butterfly events and is a great way to have fun and learn new skills in a friendly environment.

Due to its timing, the meet, along with the Merrylands SwimFest, also provides good practice for School Swimming Carnivals. All swimmers in the Development and Junior squads aged from 8 to 13 are required to enter. Other swimmers should discuss with their coach before entering.

This year's meet will be held on Sunday, 1st February, 2026 at Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre with entries closing on Thursday 22nd January at 9am.

See Also

• Upcoming Swim Meets