Our Staff

* Richard Ruskin: Managing Director
* Liz Nettlefold: Travel & Tour Co-Ordinator
* Margaret Fernandez: Accountant
* Kerrie Matthee: Financial Controller
* Carrie Dubbeld: Promotions & Design Co-Ordinator

Richard Ruskin: Managing Director

Richard joined the travel industry in 1973, working for Ansett Airlines, whilst also completing his BST (Business Studies Tourism) Certificate (Now Associate Diploma). After working in domestic and then international sales, he was seconded to British Airways. He joined Four Corners Travel Service in 1977 as an International Consultant, taking over as Manager in 1983.

In 1996, he bought out his partners and has expanded the company into a group of 6 specialist divisions. The result is a dynamic, exciting team of people specialising in all areas of the world.

Richard has a reputation for boundless enthusiasm and interest in all coutries of the world. In fact, one of his clients has just completed a lifelong ambition to visit every country (193) in the world, so Richard is one of only a handful of Travel Professionals who has arranged travel to every county in the world.

Richard has an uncompromising belief in offering the best in travel, and has built up a team of staff that he regards as the best in the Industry. He is passionate about travel, even after 30 years in the Industry, in particular for Africa. He has travelled extensively throughout Africa, and to the Middle East, UK, Europe, USA, Mexico, Asia, Pacific and around Australia.

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Liz Nettlefold: Travel & Tour Co-Ordinator

Liz has been involved in the travel industry for many years and brings a wealth of experience to Focus on Tours. Liz has travelled extensively and lived in Asia.

When living in Jakarta she became involved with the “Ganesha Society”, a volunteer organisation that worked in conjunction with the National Museum. This enabled Liz to travel throughout Indonesia under the auspices of the Museum and offered many opportunities to explore the hidden treasures of the country. This “inside” knowledge enabled Liz to assist Ansett Airlines with putting together their tour options for Jakarta and surrounds when they were operating into Indonesia. Liz was also involved with ANZAS - a group that assisted expat Australian and New Zealanders settle into life in Jakarta.

Liz believes that there is a growing market for special interest travel and is excited about her role with Focus on Tours in developing this market.

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Margaret Fernandez: Accountant

Margaret was born in India and from an early age had a passion for figures. After completing a Bachelor of Commerce and a Diploma in Travel and Tourism, she decided to pursue a career in the Travel Industry, rather than becoming a CPA. Margaret worked for 10 years in India where she met her husband, Owen, and in 1986 they both migrated to Australia. Margaret joined the company this year as accountant, bringing with her a wealth of airline and travel agency experience.

Margaret is passionate about travel and has travelled to West Coast USA, Europe, South East Asia and of course India. Her dream is to travel to Africa and the East Coast of America.

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Kerrie Matthee: Financial Controller

Kerrie has years of experience working in small business with the last 10 years in the travel industry. The first contact Kerrie had with Four Corners Travel was as the external auditor for the company, later joining as a member of the team. This brings a strong level of financial accountability to the company, and ensures that accreditation with all statutory bodies is maintained. As Financial Controller, Kerrie’s role ensures that the company maintains client financial records as well as ensuring all suppliers are paid.

Having been born and brought up in South Africa, Kerrie has an extensive knowledge of travel in South Africa, with a particular love of wildlife and game parks. She has a passion for all things African and her knowledge and continued interest in South Africa is kept alive through various family members still living there. In addition, Kerrie has travelled to Fiji, USA, Singapore, Europe and the UK.

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Carrie Dubbeld: Promotions and Design Co-ordinator

Carrie's opportunity to join the Four Corners Travel team has allowed her to combine two great loves - Design and Travel! After uni she and a friend started a design company which they continue to run, and she loves the challenges and learning that the design industry brings. Carrie has a keen interest in photography which hand-in-hand with design will bring a world of colour and diversity to her work. Outside work, Carrie loves her dog, Chevi, cycling the bike tracks of Victoria, and relaxing on her patio to share a good bottle of wine with great friends.

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