MEET OUR MERRICKS TEAM

Jun 1, 2023

Merricks Lodge snorkelling

UC CAMPING MERRICKS TEAM

Meet the Merricks Team who all come from a diverse range of backgrounds to bring the service and hospitality you deserve. Husband and wife team Matt and Amy commenced at UC Camping in March 2020 – just as Covid-19 locked down the industry. However, they took on the role with gusto and made enormous changes to the internal systems and procedures as well as improving the grounds, pools and lake. 

MATT GEE – SITE MANAGER

Matt Gee has a breath of experience within the industry, coming from YMCA in Queensland where he was Site Manager at Leslie Dam Camp. Matt’s not only a great Site Manager but is also able to design programs for guests as well as run a multitude of activities – something of an ‘all rounder’. “Despite the confronting first few weeks with Covid, I’ve really enjoyed working alongside the team and growing together to make Merricks Lodge one of the best camps on the Mornington Peninsula.” 

AMY HIGGINS – HOSPITALITY MANAGER

Amy has brought a new and exciting approach to food services since March 2020. As a qualified chef, originally from the Sunshine Coast in Queensland, her knowledge of menu planning, managing dietaries and managing her team has proven a huge success.  

KIM BARKS – SENIOR PROGRM COORDINATOR

 Kim joined UC Camping as a casual in 2019 and in 2022, took on the role of Senior Program Coordinator. With a passion for aquatic programs specifically snorkelling she has taken the programs to a whole new level of excitement and educational outcomes.

Kim is also qualified primary teacher and has VIT registration.

PROGRAM STAFF

Program staff are specifically trained for the activities that Merricks Lodge have to offer and ensure the delivery of safe and memorable sessions. Our speciality is in aquatics although we do run many other activities. Accordingly, we train many of our staff in water safety, snorkelling but they also come to us with experience in surfing, stand up paddleboarding, scuba diving and marine education.

In addition, we follow the Department of Education guidelines on ratios and safety protocols which can be found on their website here.

GENERAL SERVICES STAFF

Merricks Lodge are blessed with a fabulous team who keep the campsite running. Our general services team can turn their hand to anything – food preparation, serving and cleaning. Then once a group leaves, they systematically clean every room, bathroom and general purpose areas. Consequently, we are very proud of what they achieve.

Equally important, all staff undergo the following training and checks:

  • Code of Conduct
  • Child Safety
  • Working With Children Check
  • Police Check
  • Site induction
  • UC Camping Induction

In addition, all of our sites are accredited with:

  • Quality Tourism Australia (click here for more information).
  • Members of The Australian Camping Association (click here for more informaton.)
  • Mornington Peninsula Shire for Prescribed Accommodation, Class 2 Food Licence and Food Bssiness Licence.

UC Camping also conduct regular internal audits including equipment and activity maintenance, risk management, maintenance of buildings, health and hygiene, environmental management and insurance currency. Of course, this is also part of our accreditation.

In conclusion, you can find more information on Merricks Lodge – click here.