Our Staff

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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Savio Pereira : General Manager

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 travelled extensively in France and Italy. He has travelled extensively in Africa to Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Botswana, South Africa, Victoria Falls and Zanzibar.

He has also escorted safaris to Africa.

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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Sue Harms: Sales Manager

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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Jo-Ellen White: Supervisor Corporate & Retail

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 15 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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John Karamanis: Senior Travel Consultant

John joined the travel industry in 2000, after working as an English teacher for 4 years in Melbourne. It was time for a change and this change brought John to work for Parthenon Travel for 10 years. In that time John has travelled and experienced most of what the world has to offer, both culturally and gastronomically.

John's travels to Fiji, Bali, Thailand, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Macau, USA, Hawaii, Philippines , Europe, Middle East and South America, New Zealand and of course throughout Australia has allowed John to gain great insight, knowledge, experience and passion as a travel consultant.

John's next achievement is to see Africa and complete a global understanding of all cultures. Outside of work, John enjoys time with the family and time with friends. A follower of numerous sporting events worldwide and warm sunny days.

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Renukha Nugawela: Senior Travel Consultant

Originally from Sri Lanka, Renukha began her career in travel with Japan Travel Bureau in Sydney. She has a passion for travel, with several years experience in the Travel Industry. She enjoys exploring new places and learning about new cultures. Her travels have taken her to Europe, Asia, USA, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa and most recently Israel.

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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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Rhona Silpert: Accountant

Rhona was born in South Africa and completed her Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor or Accounting at the University of the Witwatersrand prior to qualifying as a Chartered Accountant. Rhona , her husband and three children emigrated to Australia in 1990. The first 10 years in Australia were spent working as an external accountant but she finds the hands on role as the internal accountant far more enjoyable Outside of work Rhona enjoys baking cooking and of course travel and has travelled to South Africa, the UK the USA and Israel and is looking forward to many more travel adventures.

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Sue Ruskin: International Payments

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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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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Matthew Commons : Web Designer / Developer

Once Matthew finished uni he begun work as a Web Designer / Developer for a Melbourne based Web Studio as well as running his own freelance business. After a successful year of designing and developing he joined the Four Corners Travel team. Besides design Matthew loves live music, the beach and exploring new places.

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