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 : Wholesale 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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Jo-Ellen White: Senior Consultant

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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Julie Marks: Consultant

Julie started in the travel industry at Four Corners Travel in  1974,  she is married with two daughters and a son and is a passionate Hawthorn supporter. During her many years in the travel industry she has enjoyed visiting various countries, including  Europe, North Africa, U.S.A. Asia, Mauritius and the South Pacific Islands. One of her favourite destinations is Thailand and she has taken each of her children to Thailand for their 18th birthday so they could experience a different culture, meet the friendly Thai people and  make the most of the bargain shopping. Visits to the Christmas markets in Germany and Austria have also become a popular holiday for all the family. Julie and her family moved to Brisbane in 1992 and were there for 12 years. Julie remainedin the travel industry whilst in Queensland and was able to experience many of the Sunshine States’ holiday destinations. Now happily back in Melbourne Julie has returned to Four Corners Travel Group and looks forward to visiting Egypt and India in the future.

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Amanda Forth: Consultant

Amanda began her Retail Travel career in New Zealand in 2001, before moving to Australia in 2002 and working as a Retail Consultant until 2006 when she moved to London. Amanda worked in London as a Corporate Consultant until early 2009 and whilst living in London she took advantage of having Europe on her doorstep and travelled to many countries, with Italy, Greece, Croatia and Spain being some of her favorites. Amanda also had the opportunity to travel to the USA, reliving her childhood at Disneyland, trying her luck in Vegas and enjoying the sights of San Francisco. She has also travelled to Bali, Fiji, Singapore and Malaysia.

Amanda loves the buzz of exploring new cities, trying to find her way around, but is also content on the beach in the sun with a great book!!

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Liz Nettlefold: Sales

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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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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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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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 joined the team at African Travel Specialists mid 2008 after graduation from Design College, a perfect opportunity to combine her new career the colourful and interesting industry of travel. Carrie has travelled to New Zealand, parts of Europe, South Africa and Bali and looks forward to many more international adventures. Outside work, Carrie loves cycling the bike tracks of Victoria, scuba diving, dinner parties, reading and relaxing with a good bottle of wine.

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