Our 19 th Birthday
Dear friends,
Today is a great milestone for us… our journey into the world of creating memorable experiences for our clients started 19 years ago today, 26th August….
It was one of those cool winter days when a bolt out of the blue changed our world.
It was one of those occasions when you come to realise what amazing people you have around you.
Mismanagement from within a successful business was discovered , but thanks to the unflinching support of family, friends, suppliers and staff we were able to continue to support our clients. Their faith in us was rewarded and Australia In Style was born.
How interesting it is to retrace these early steps !
It’s hard to imagine now, but at that time, bookings involved completing a form which was then faxed from/ to clients. The newsletter was pumped out on a printer and then posted to clients !
Restaurants such as Pruniers, Darcys, the Ritz Carlton Double Bay, which are no longer around, were included in out packages offered to inbound operators such as JTB. Galileo , Harbour Kitchen and Catalinas too.
Vaucluse House Tearooms was the home of many a Devonshire tea and the occasional Alice in Wonderland celebration. Cruise ship passengers enjoyed picnics in the grounds. Marriage proposals took place here too!
The wedding business continued thanks to the support of many who came out of the woodwork to provide support to ensure the show would go on.
Being involved with such happy occasions certainly buoyed our spirits.
We then participate in a women in business mentor program of the NSW state government and learn much from professional men and women who so generously shared their knowledge .
Soon we join the International Special Events Society and meet regularly with creative event professionals.
Travel with Tourism Australia to US, Canada to promote Australian experiences follows.
Sydney is an exciting place for corporate events and we support QANTAS , the indominable David Grant and others in their spectacular events.
Shortly after we win an international events award- the first Australian event transport company to do so.
After such amazing support it’s time to give back and become a mentor in the same program that gave us such a good start.
A few years later, I am honoured to be recognised by the Leading Women Entrepreneurs of the World
Multiple customer service awards follow, and we continue to enjoy expanding our range of services. Our Tours by Diva is voted in the Top 20 things to do in Australia and our romantic picnic packages contribute to numerous marriage proposals.
Soon a bus and coach division develops. We become the first Sydney event transport company to offset carbon emissions. We support the Art Gallery of NSW promotion of the exquisite Brett Whiteley Studio and the fledging organic markets of the Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority.
Contracts with iconic Sydney performance spaces then follow.
We find ourselves supporting the less mobile in our community to be able to access theatre , music and performances. In fact , over 20,000 patrons a year utilise our services to attend performances. This is the most gratifying part of our business.
And here we are , 19 years on, continuing to enjoy what we do , and excited about what we know we can do.
A journey made possible from the generosity of spirit of those who came with us along the way
