Mum on the run to aid Games

By Rebecca Fraser
NARRE Warren South mother-of-three Kirrily Briet likes to be kept busy.
The mother of young twins and a four-year-old applied to be a volunteer at the 2006 Commonwealth Games because she was looking for something to get her out of the house.
Little did she know that by the time next month’s Games come around, she will be back working as a part-time receptionist while juggling her role as a mother, wife and national secretary of the Australian Multiple Birth Association.
The 35-year-old has been selected to be a protocol officer at the Games and said she was looking forward to the experience and playing a small role in a big part of Melbourne’s history.
She said her family and friends would be “holding down the fort” when she goes off to the Games and were very supportive of her exciting role.
“If you want something done, I am the person to do it and I like to be kept on the go.
“When I initially applied, I was a stay-at-home mum and I thought this would be something to get me out of the house,” she said.
Ms Briet will complete six shifts at the Games and her role will include greeting dignitaries in the Games family lounge and helping ensure that all guests are taken care of.
She said she had already undergone a full day of training and had been instructed on how to speak to royalty, presidents and other important people.
“There will be VIPs and VVIPs there that is very, very important people.
“ Prince Philip and Prince Edward are meant to be there for the whole Games and if they visit each venue, I would most likely see them or other dignitaries,” she said.
Ms Briet said she doubted that she would end up talking to the dignitaries in person.
In her role as a protocol assistant, she will also check that people have the correct accreditation, help VIPs find the correct seating, make sure cars are ready and help ensure that everything is running smoothly in the assembly areas.
The Commonwealth Games runs from 15 to 26 March.