Brisbane QLD, Australia, 9 May 2017 | Millie Campbell

Julianne Daniel had been secretary of the Brisbane Seniors Tennis Club for two years when she was approached to help out with the first Brisbane International 10 years ago.

Other than having some casual ushering experience at the Gabba, Julianne had never worked at a major sporting event.

“I first got involved in the Brisbane International due to my interest in tennis, and wanting to be a part of history with the first tournament to be held at the new Pat Rafter Arena,” she said.

Now, a decade on, Julianne is Day Supervisor at the tournament, one of the most important roles in event operations. It’s a position that involves drawing up rosters and outlining duties for a dedicated group of day-based volunteers; including watching over turnstiles, ushering of patrons on Pat Rafter Arena and the two showcourts, as well as volunteer roles in the cloak and locker room.

“The thing I love most about the role is the joy seeing all the volunteers come together each year and renewing old friendships and making new ones,” says Julianne.

“The challenge is to keep them all happy so they will return again and again to volunteer at BI. We have had nearly 100% retention rate for the Patron Service Volunteers over the last few years,” she added.

Since 2007 the tournament has grown significantly; an evolution Julianne has experienced firsthand having never missed a Brisbane International. In its first year, around 60,000 fans attended, while next year for the tournament’s 10th anniversary, more than 100,000 fans are expected to make the most of the milestone.

With volunteers being the lifeblood of sport across all levels of participation, for the Brisbane International, a field of 350 volunteers have helped build the tournament to one of the most loved in the world. It is unrivalled as the choice of the world’s top players when it comes to starting their Australian summer of tennis.

For many of the volunteers, it’s the unique proximity to the action that keeps them coming back year after year.

“One of my favourite memories was when Roger Federer won the BI and his 1000th match,” said Julianne.

“The year previous was also special when Leyton Hewitt beat Roger [Federer] in the final.”

As part of National Volunteer Week, Julianne encourages anyone who has ever considered putting their hand up for an event or cause to get involved.

“I would strongly recommend anyone to volunteer for the Brisbane International; to be part of the patron services team, driving the players, ball kids, court service team, or info team, or to volunteer as part of a tennis club in your areas,” she said.

“It is very rewarding, fulfilling and you meet a variety of excited tennis minded people.”