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Our Staff
Richard Ruskin: Managing Director
Four Corners Travel, African Travel Specialists, Bali Bound Holidays
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, renamed Four Corners Travel Group. 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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Sue Harms: Sales Manager
Four Corners Travel, African Travel Specialists, Bali Bound Holidays
Sue Harms is our Sales Manager, with over 26 years experience in the Travel Industry. Sue first entered the industry as a domestic consultant with Burns Philip Travel in Melbourne, then, as one of her interests was snow skiing, she moved to ANZ Travel consulting in the International retail division for 3 years. She then moved to Allaround Travel as a Senior consultant, consulting during the week and escorting groups to the Australian ski fields on weekends, as well as teaching skiing. Sue then went into Commercial Travel with Elders IXL as a Senior Consultant, before accepting a position with Adventure World, as Sales Manager. Throughout Sue's 11 years with this company, she developed a further passion for exotic destinations, one of them being Africa.
She has travelled throughout Africa, Europe, South America, Alaska, Canada, USA, Ireland, UK, India, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Asia, South Pacific, New Zealand, Australia.
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Savio Pereira: Africa Team Leader
African Travel Specialists
Savio was born and bred in Kenya, and even though Kenya will always be home, he is now settled in Australia. Savio has always had a passion for travel, moving to England to graduate with a BSC Economics from the University of London. For 12 years Savio worked for a ground operator in East Africa as an Administrative Manager, covering all aspects of the business including operations, sales and finance. He has attended numerous international travel exhibitions in the UK, Sweden and Dubai, and has also traveled extensively in France and Italy.
Savio likes to indulge his love of the outdoors by going on safari and driving his 4x4 in the bush. He also enjoys all sports, and plays tennis regularly. Savio is happily married with two children, who share his love of safaris.
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Jo-Ellen White: Senior Consultant
Four Corners Travel
Jo-Ellen's first job was at Australian Airlines (TAA) working in reservations, then Melbourne Airport at check-in, ticketing and all other areas of ground handling. After leaving the airline Jo-Ellen joined Jetset Fares and Ticketing, where she developed her skills for constructing airfares and thinking outside the square.
After a few more career moves, Jo-Ellen joined Four Corners Travel where she has worked for the last 9 years. She enjoys the work here as there is always an interesting itinerary to sink her teeth into! Over the years Jo-Ellen has built strong relationships with her clients who now trust her judgment when it comes to their travel requirements.
Her family is very important to her, and fortunately both her husband and son share her love of travel - as a family they have visited the USA, Europe, Thailand and all over Australia. Jo-Ellen's own travel has taken her to Russia, South America, Caribbean, Asia, Israel and Turkey.
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Ashleigh Harris: Consultant
African Travel Specialists
Ashleigh grew up in Empangeni, South Africa (an hour north of Durban), and has relocated to Melbourne with her husband. Ashleigh moved to Cape Town for three years where she studied Travel and Tourism, obtaining her diploma and advanced diploma. She worked as a consultant at American Express, where she specialised in Corporate Travel. Ashleigh also spent a year in America, working, traveling and experiencing the "American Way". Upon her return to Africa she joined Harvey World Travel. Now settled in Australia, Ashleigh is sharing her African travel experiences and expertise with clients and travelers planning their own adventures. In addition to America, Ashleigh has also travelled to Zimbabwe, Nambia, Western Australia and within South Africa.
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Martin Jellinek: Consultant
African Travel Specialists
Martin's career started out on a very different path, studying Biological Science, majoring in Genetics and Zoology and attaining honors in Genetics and Archaeology. He began his career in the travel industry in 1999 as a consultant for Flight Centre, moving up to an assistant-manager position a year later.
After a 3 year career with Flight Centre, Martin picked up his life and moved it to Africa for the next 3 years. He started off training as a guide in the Timbavati region of the Kruger National Park in South Africa, and ended up working for Wilderness Safaris for 2 years as a Camp Manager for a number of luxury safari lodges in the Okavango Delta region of Botswana. Martin’s first trip to Africa was in 1999 and since then has extensively travelled Botswana, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Mozambique, Namibia, Lesotho, Swaziland, Kenya, Tanzania and Zanzibar. Over the years his numerous other travels have also taken him to many countries in North and Central America, South-East Asia, The Pacific Islands, Europe and the Middle East.
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Angela Marron: Consultant
Bali Bound Holidays
Angela has worked in the travel industry for 12 years. Her career began in a Jetset retail office where she worked for 5 years as a consultant. Angela then moved into the wholesale side of the industry, and worked for an Asian wholesaler, where she spent 2.5 years as a Reservations Consultant before being promoted to Team Leader. Angela was encouraged to move into the Sales area, but only stayed in sales 12 months, as she preferred being in a more hands-on position. Angela moved into the Reservations area as Team Leader, where she continued to work for the next 2 years.
In March 2001, Angela commenced working for Bali Bound Holidays where she was employed as Reservations Manager. Over the years Angela has enjoyed her travels to various destinations in America, Bali, Fiji, London, New Zealand, Singapore, Thailand and different parts of Australia.
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Gemma Steel: Consultant
African Travel Specialists
Gemma was born in the South of England, and studied religion and Indian languages at the School of Oriental and African Studies in London. After university, Gemma went to teach English in China. She intended to stay only one year, but ended up living in China for three years, teaching English and studying Mandarin.
Once she finally returned to England, Gemma began work in a retail travel agency in London specialising in adventure travel. Her first trip to Africa was to Kenya with her family when she was 16, and her most recent trip took her to South Africa, Zimbabwe and Botswana.
A born traveller, Gemma has also travelled extensively in South East Asia, South America, Europe, and the US! She is currently living in Melbourne and intends to stick around.
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Liz Nettlefold : Travel & Tour Co-ordinator
Focus On Tours
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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Kerrie Matthee: Financial Controller
Four Corners Travel, African Travel Specialists, Bali Bound Holidays
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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Margaret Fernandez: Accountant
Four Corners Travel, African Travel Specialists, Bali Bound Holidays
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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Sue Ruskin: Administration
Four Corners Travel, African Travel Specialists, Bali Bound Holidays
Sue has had a wealth of experience, particularly in the medical field. Sue is a qualified Orthoptist, and after a successful career in that field spanning 20 years, she decided to change her career and pursue her love of travel. Sue has travelled extensively through Europe and Asia, and more recently to USA and Africa. She is responsible for all the overseas payments to our Operators worldwide.
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CALL NOW ON (613) 9576 1950
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