5.0%, Afghanistan 4.3%, India 3.9% and Pakistan 2.4%. 29.4% of people only spoke English at home; other languages spoken at home included Arabic 22.5%, Mandarin 5.2%, Dari 3.3%, Cantonese 2.7% and Turkish 2.7%. The most common religions were Catholic 29.2%, Islam 24.6%, No Religion 11.7%, Not stated 8.4% and Hinduism 4.6%. The median age was 32 years. Children aged 0 – 14 years made up 21.3% of the population and people aged 65 years and over made up 10.6% of the population. Notable residents Some of the current and former residents of Merrylands include: Betty Cuthbert – track and field athlete. Born in Merrylands. Eric Tweedale – rugby union player. Raised in Merrylands Liam Fulton – rugby league player. Born and resides in Merrylands. Rick Springfield – Singer, musician and actor. Born in Merrylands. Matthew Gardiner – Trade Unionist. Raised in Merrylands Paul Nakad – Musician and actor. Resides in Merrylands. John Ibrahim - nightclub owner. He and his brothers grew up in Merrylands and his mother still resides there. References The Book of Sydney Suburbs, Compiled by Frances Pollen, Angus & Robertson Publishers, 1990, Published in Australia Suburbs of Sydney Populated places established in 1855 Cumberland Council, New South Wales 1855 establishments in Australia