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This September, standing in Bali at the TravelManagers Annual Conference, I was honoured (and a little emotional) to receive my 10 Years of Service Award. It’s hard to believe a decade has passed since joining the TravelManagers family, and even harder to wrap my head around the fact that I’ve been in the travel industry for more than 30 years. When I look back, it’s not just the destinations that fill my mind, but the people, the stories, and the lessons along the way.

The past three decades have been filled with every imaginable high and low. I began my journey when travel looked very different to what it does today – when tickets were handwritten, and a fax machine was our main connection to the world. Since then, we’ve seen incredible transformation, both in technology and the way people explore the world. But it’s also been a journey through history itself. From the collapse of Ansett, which shook the Australian industry to its core, to the tragic events of September 11 that changed global travel forever. Then came the GFC, volcanic eruptions, and most recently, the global pandemic – each a reminder that this career requires more than just passion. It demands resilience, quick thinking, and genuine care for the people we look after.

Those challenges taught me something profound: travel isn’t just about booking tickets or hotels. It’s about trust. When the world changes overnight, clients need someone who not only understands the logistics but can calmly guide them through uncertainty, protect their bookings, and find solutions others might overlook. I’ve always taken that responsibility to heart – and I think that’s why, even after all these years, I still love what I do.

Being part of TravelManagers for the past decade has been one of the best decisions of my career. It’s given me the flexibility to work closely with my clients on a more personal level, backed by the strength and support of an incredible national network. The friendships formed, the shared knowledge, and the genuine culture of support are what make TravelManagers feel like home.

But above all, what keeps me motivated are my clients — many of whom have become dear friends. Watching families grow, helping couples plan their dream honeymoons, and sending solo travellers on adventures that change their lives… those are the moments that make every challenge worthwhile. It’s deeply rewarding to know I’ve played a small part in creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Over the years, I’ve been lucky enough to experience many parts of the world myself, from the cobblestone streets of Europe to the mighty peaks of the Himalayas, and the serene temples of Asia. Each journey has deepened my understanding of what makes a destination special – and how to match that magic with the right traveller. It’s that blend of personal experience, professional expertise, and heartfelt connection that I bring to every itinerary I design.

So, as I celebrate this 10-year milestone with TravelManagers and over 30 years doing what I love, I feel nothing but gratitude. Gratitude for my clients, for their trust and loyalty. Gratitude for my colleagues and the TravelManagers family. And gratitude for the incredible privilege of helping people see the world.

Here’s to the next chapter – to more journeys, more memories, and more reasons to love what I do every single day.