Seagulls celebrate decade of Vic Open contribution

THE Vic Open returns to Barwon Heads for the 10th time next month, marking a decade of volunteering for the Barwon Heads Football and Netball Club at the annual golf tournament.

Barwon Heads FNC’s volunteer co-ordinator Jerome Fahey has led his team of volunteers since the Vic Open first made its way to the Bellarine in 2013, directing thousands of spectators through the gates of the 13th Beach Golf Links across the event, including the Pro-Am.

“The sense of pride we get from playing this vital role in the Vic Open is doing our job to the best of our ability,” Mr Fahey said.

“We aim to improve upon our performances and processes as volunteers every year, which I wholeheartedly believe we have done so to this point.

“But, again, we’re always trying to fine tune and better ourselves every year and we feel like we get the recognition we deserve as a club having done this event for a decade now.”

About 150 Barwon Heads FNC and public volunteers will assist with directing visitor car parking off Lings Road to the east of the links and driving shuttle buses each day transporting spectators to the Vic Open’s main hub.

Car park volunteers will be in action from 6am to 7pm on each of the five days, meanwhile shuttle bus drivers start work from 7am and conclude at 7pm.

“It’s encouraging the amount of support we do get from both the local football and netball sides when it comes to volunteering, as well as the testimonials we get from the general public,” Mr Fahey added.

“We’d love to see that continue this year because there is a lot of co-ordination that goes along with confirming volunteer blocks and shifts.

“This year we’ll have a skeleton crew assisting on the Wednesday for the Pro-Am, before action starts heating up on Thursday, and then we’ll be in top gear for Saturday and Sunday’s championship rounds.”

For more information on how you can volunteer at this year’s Vic Open, phone Jerome Fahey on 0400 827 182.