Few symbols are more closely associated with Merrylands Amateur Swimming Club than the whale.
For generations, the whale has proudly appeared on club uniforms, badges, programs and memorabilia, becoming an instantly recognisable emblem for members past and present. From the earliest years of both the club and Merrylands Swimming Centre, the whale formed part of a shared identity that has endured for decades.
More than just a logo, the whale became a symbol of the pool, the club and the people who grew up around them.
A Symbol from the Beginning
Merrylands Amateur Swimming Club and Merrylands Swimming Centre share a common history. As both became established within the local area, the whale quickly emerged as one of their most distinctive symbols.
A large fibreglass whale stood in the Babies' Pool and soon became a familiar sight for generations of local families. Young children encountered it during some of their earliest experiences in the water and, for many, it became one of their strongest memories of the centre.
The whale's smooth, rounded surface made it both inviting and challenging. Parents and pool staff regularly warned children not to climb on it because it became extremely slippery when wet. However, that only seemed to increase its appeal. For countless youngsters, successfully scrambling onto the whale became a challenge to be tackled, often ending in an inevitable slide back into the water.
The whale became one of the defining features of Merrylands Swimming Centre, creating memories that have stayed with generations of swimmers and local families.
"The emblem of the whale—was that the whale that stood in the children's wading pool? Well, as a young bloke, I was probably climbing all over that and falling into the pool. I'd say bring it back..."
— Councillor Greg Cummings, Mayor of Holroyd, speaking at the Merrylands Amateur Swimming Club 40th Anniversary Celebration (2009)
As safety standards evolved, the whale was eventually removed, bringing to an end a much-loved chapter in the history of Merrylands Swimming Centre. Yet while the whale was no longer part of the pool, its place in the identity of the club was already firmly established.
What the Whale Represents
Over the years, the whale has come to represent far more than a familiar feature of the pool or a symbol on the club badge.
As one of the great creatures of the aquatic world, the whale embodies many of the qualities that lie at the heart of both swimming and Merrylands Amateur Swimming Club. Its strength, endurance and resilience reflect the commitment required to train, compete and continually strive for improvement. While often admired for its size and presence, the whale is also capable of remarkable speed and agility in the water. Powerful yet graceful, it moves with confidence and purpose—qualities that resonate strongly with swimmers and have long been reflected in the culture of our club.
Whales are also known for their strong social bonds and sense of community. In much the same way, the success of Merrylands Amateur Swimming Club has always been built on more than individual performances. It is the support of families, coaches, officials, volunteers and teammates that creates the welcoming and inclusive environment that has sustained the club for generations.
Like the whale itself, generations of Merrylands swimmers have developed a confidence and sense of belonging in the aquatic environment, whether learning to swim, competing in races or simply enjoying being part of club life.
Perhaps that is why the whale has remained such a fitting emblem for Merrylands Amateur Swimming Club. It reflects not only the qualities of successful swimmers but also the spirit of the club itself—strong, enduring, welcoming and deeply connected to the water.
An Enduring Legacy
Although the whale was eventually removed from the swimming centre, it remains an enduring part of the club's identity. Generations of swimmers still recognise it instantly, recalling their earliest days at Merrylands, the friendships formed through the club and the many hours spent in and around the pool.
Today, the whale continues to appear on the club's emblem just as it has since the earliest days of Merrylands Amateur Swimming Club, linking the club's past with its present and future.
More than half a century on, the whale remains a proud symbol of Merrylands Amateur Swimming Club: a reminder of our heritage, our community and the generations of swimmers who have proudly called Merrylands home.