Henley Brook Lifestyle Resort’s Keith O’Brien may have retired four years ago, but that hasn’t slowed down the 64-year-old.
Keith now volunteers his time to a number of organisations and will again form part of Tennis Australia’s volunteer Transport team, supporting the upcoming United Cup in Perth.
“This will be my third year doing this event,” explains Keith.
“I still play tennis twice a week and watch most tournaments, so meeting the world’s top players and having them captive in a vehicle can lead to very interesting conversations!”
While the United Cup doesn’t officially begin until January 2 at RAC Arena, work for Keith kicks off on Boxing Day.
“It usually starts with runs from all airport terminals to the Ritz-Carlton Perth hotel,” he says.
“One time last year I was sent as the baggage car to collect the Brazil team with two other cars.
“However, the Brazil boys recognised me from the year before and said: ‘Hey Keith, we’re coming with you’, so I ended up with the four men and baggage all in my car and two cars went back empty!”
Volunteers are equipped with a uniform, free tournament tickets and three course meals every workday.
“If you’re in the city collecting players, they usually supply a coffee fix for you, plus a few pastries if you really look hungry,” laughs Keith.
“I love it if I can make a child’s day by getting them a photo with their favourite player.
“Two years ago, when I collected the Australian team from the hotel for their quarter final game we were walking through the foyer and I could see TV cameras and fans gathered outside.
“Alex De Minaur asks: ‘Where we are parked?’ and I’d had to park to the left of the hotel as there was no parking in front.
“A mum with her two kids got so excited when they saw Alex and he stopped, signed their tennis balls, took a few photos and then jumped in with me.
“We chatted about Spain as my sister lives in Alicante, where Alex now lives.
“It’s incredibly rewarding.”
Information in this article is true and correct as of 5 January 2026.
