Issue 13, 2025/2026 by Graham Edwards - 2nd January, 2026

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Welcome to 2026

Welcome to our first club race morning for 2026. We hope you and your family have enjoyed the Christmas and New Year festivities.

A big thank you to everyone for making our Christmas morning a great success. We saw a record number of swimmers enter the day (over 60 swimmers😊) and there was great fun to be had with the novelty events, BBQ breakfast, raffles and lolly jar competition. Special thanks to Alison for organising the novelty events, the Social Committee and cake bakers for a great feed and Lisa & Niushka for the Secret Santa. Oh, and congratulations to everyone who qualified for and swam the 800m Freestyle Championship events

Today we have the Merrylands 50’s event, so make sure you cheer on everyone competing in this event.

Our first championships for the year will be the 50m & 200m (Open) Butterfly on Saturday, 24^th January.

Training Resumes

A reminder for all squad members that training resumes this Monday, 5^th January, so it’s time to get the kickboard and energy ready 💪

If you will be away at any time this month please remember to mark your absence in the swim school system.

A reminder that Speedo Sprint Series heats are coming up on Sunday 1^st February. All swimmers in Junior and Development Squad should be targeting this meet. Swimmers in the Novice Squad can speak to their coach. Entries for the meet close on 22^nd January.

Merrylands SwimFest

We are drawing closer to the Merrylands SwimFest, which will be held on Saturday 21^st February 2026.

Entries for SwimFest are now open in SwimCentral (entries close on Saturday 7^th February) so make sure you get your entries in early. Merrylands members can use the special member button for discounted entry fees.

As always we need a lot of help for the meet, as it is our major fundraising event to support the Annual Presentation trophy costs. So please step forward and let Sylvia Chan (Meet Director) know you are available.

Club WhatsApp Group Chat

We have an informal Club WhatsApp group for members who’d like to stay connected socially. It’s a great space for general chit chat, sharing our kids’ achievements, photos and lost property etc.

If you’d like to join the group, please let the Social Committee know, Sylvia, Denise or Kylee will be happy to add you.

Please note: All official club communications will continue to be shared via email, Whales Tales, and the club website.

Swimmer Spotlight – Damian Chan

This week we shine the spotlight on another one of our Whales team, Damian Chan, a multi-talented member of the club.

Q1: Tell us about your swimming journey

A: I started Learn to Swim with Fairfield Council pools since I was 6 months old. My family and I had no idea about competitive swimming until I was in year 3 getting ready for my first school swimming carnival. My mum took me to Merrylands Pool to practice diving (from watching YouTube clips!) and we noticed people next to us in swim caps properly diving off the blocks. Mum spoke to Peter and shortly after I attended a trial... In my wetsuit! That's what I did swimming lessons in to stay warm! I've been with the club since, built some cool friendships and now wear proper jammers!

Q2: What’s your favourite stroke?

A: Breaststroke! It seems like a complicated stroke but it's simple and relaxing for me, especially after doing a tough stroke like butterfly. I also like the breaststroke turns as it's easy with a touch and turn. I have a deep hatred for backstroke with the sun glare and sideways slamming and whacking my fingers on the lane rope. I don't like it when my arm lifts to backstroke, water flies up and ends up in my mouth. Do you know what's in that water??

Q3: What do you love about the Club?

A: The liveliness and happiness of club. All my squad friends. Parents are friendly. Everyone in the club is nice. BBQs are good. I like swimming in the outdoor pool as it builds resilience since we swim rain or shine. I don't like the tan line though!

Q4: What’s your swimming goal for next year?

• Get under 40secs for 50m freestyle;
• Stay ahead of my Parra City school friend at our school swimming carnival;
• Beat my Zone arch nemesis in breaststroke (that's his weakest stroke and my strongest!);
• Make it to state!

Q5: Something interesting about you

A: I do karate, soccer and recently picked up an interest in Piano. I've been learning songs from YouTube like 'Interstellar'. I also like snowboarding and will be competing for the first time at the Interschools Snowsports Championships in July this year.

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

Club Uniforms

Need uniforms for SwimFest? Our club uniforms in stock are available for purchase through the club’s online shop club shop . Some items may require a special order to be placed with our suppliers, so planning orders ahead of time will allow for the items to be delivered.

P-Plate Award

There is still half a season left for someone to make 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.