In the Office
In the office we have a tightknit team that come from a variety of backgrounds including health, disability, tourism and finance. They work seamlessly together to create safe, stimulating and fun filled experiences to destinations both far and wide.
Gary
Owner and Managing Director
Gary is the owner and managing director of Leisure Options having the enviable task of steering the company in the right direction. Gary comes with a wealth of knowledge and experience with over 25 years of business ownership and a senior management role with an ASX listed company. He also holds a Certificate IV in Disability. Outside of work, Gary is heavily involved in community sports, being a coach of junior footy and cricket, and when time permits fishing the rivers and streams or out on his boat. He is passionate about both Leisure Options and the disability industry and is proud to see the difference a holiday can make for the lives of his travellers.
Cathy
Health and Safety
Cathy oversees the health, safety, and compliance areas of the business as well as providing valuable education, support, and guidance to the tour leaders. As a registered nurse with over 30 years’ experience in hospital and community-based care settings, Cathy’s expertise ensures every traveller is able to experience a safe holiday experience and receive the care and support they require. Cathy has a Bachelor of Health Science, Certificate IV Disability, Graduate Certificate Clinical Research, and an Intensive Care qualification. She is also a qualified nurse immuniser, workplace drug, and alcohol tester, and a massage therapist. Cathy is passionate about creating a memorable holiday experience for every traveller and loves it when she and her children can come on tour.
Monika
Chief Financial Officer
With over 30 years’ experience working as an accountant, Monika has been an integral part of the Leisure Options team since 2012. Monika brings her kind and patient nature to the business and spends her days calmly balancing the ledgers and keeping the business on track. She has a strong interest in statistics and is forever providing invaluable data for business development. We are fortunate that when Monika is on leave her talented accountant daughter, who also worked for Leisure Options while studying, steps in to support us.
Steve
Steve joined the Leisure Options team in 2017 and brings over ten years travel experience to his role as Tour Co-ordinator. Steve is a strong believer in the social and emotional benefits of travel and aims to provide a memorable holiday experience for all of our travellers. Travel is a big part of Steve’s personal life and he is often venturing to new destinations around the world. When at home he loves spending time with his many pets.
Helen
Office Administrator
Helen commenced with Leisure Options in 2021. As our office administrator with over 15 years in customer service, Helen is often the first point of contact for families, carers and travellers. She approaches every challenge with enthusiasm and loves to make sure every interaction is positive. When not at work, she loves to strap on a pair of roller skates or get out amongst the trees on foot or bike.
Amie
Amie is the longest serving member of the Leisure Options team. She started working for Leisure Options in 2006 as a tour leader and has recently joined the office team. Amie has travelled extensively throughout the world both independently and with Leisure Options. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Applied Mathematics and is currently studying Occupational Therapy. In her spare time Amie loves to play board games and sing in a choir.
On Tour
Leisure Options is committed to providing quality services to our travellers in a safe and fun filled environment. Our Tour Leaders undergo NDIS Worker Screening Check, complete Infection Control Covid-19 module, NDIS Worker Orientation Module and must have current First Aid and CPR qualifications. Whilst away on holidays, staff have access to 24-hour nursing advice and support. This ensures you receive optimal care while you relax and enjoy your holiday.
We believe it is the passion, energy, and expertise of our Tour Leaders that sets us apart. With dedication and kindness, our staff will assist you to discover all the highlights and hidden gems that our tours have to offer.
Adam
Adam has had a diverse and interesting career. He spent 13 years in hotel management before commencing in a full-time tole with Victoria Police where he remains. Adam commenced as a casual tour leader in 2018. He loves his job with Leisure Options and gets profound satisfaction from assisting travellers as they become more independent by travelling around Australia and the world, experiencing new adventures, foods, and cultures. When he’s not at work Adam enjoys looking after his 5 dogs, 4 parrots, and a turtle.
Riley
Riley has been working with Leisure Options since 2012. She has a Certificate IV Disability and Diploma of Community Services and is passionate about inclusive and therapeutic practice with minorities and people of different abilities through the outdoors. Riley believes that Leisure Options sets the benchmark for specialised services as well as support for people with disabilities. The most enjoyable part of her job is to facilitate new and exciting experiences and witness the pure joy that exudes from travellers. In her downtime, she has fun learning to play the drums, enjoys edible gardening, and hiking in the Victorian or Tasmanian wilderness.
Janine
Janine has been working in the disability field for over 20 years. She has certificates in disability, manual handling, infection control, food handling, epilepsy management, medication administration, fire safety, and autism awareness. She is a valued team member who loves to travel and encourage people to achieve independence and live their best life. She has a wicked sense of humour and loves to share a joke and meet new people.
Ruth
Ruth has been working as a carer for over 20 years and joined Leisure Options in 2015. She has a background in mental health and has been providing personal care for people with disabilities for the last 10 years. Ruth thrives working one on one with travellers with complex needs. When she’s not at work Ruth loves her country abode, renovating, crafting, and being bossed around by Winston and Holly her two cheeky sausage dogs.
Virginia
Virginia joined the Leisure Options team in 2019 after visiting us at a Brisbane Expo. Her qualifications include Certificate 3 in individual support and when not on tour with Leisure Options she works as a self-employed disability and aged care support worker. Virginia is originally from the UK but has lived in Australia for the last 10 years. Outside of working hours she is a foster carer for the RSPCA and enjoys walking her dog and meeting people. She is a hard working fun person and has a great sense of humour.
Belinda
Belinda been working with Leisure Options since January 2018. She is an incredibly experienced staff member, has a Certificate IV in disability and 27 years as a support worker. In her spare time Belinda enjoys bushwalking throughout Victoria. African Drumming and playing in an all abilities ensemble. Belinda loves travelling and trying out new things and hopes to see you on a holiday soon.
Brenda
Brenda has been part of the Leisure Options team since 2013 and is lucky enough to be able to balance her love of travel and her passion in assisting others to challenge themselves and expand their life experiences. Brenda is easy going with a good sense of humour and loves meeting people of all ages. Brenda has a background and education in social work and community development. She moved into the disability field and completed an advanced diploma of disability along with a diploma of leadership and management. Her hobbies include walking, tennis, reading and eating.
Maureen
Maureen commenced working with Leisure Options in August 2013 and has been a favourite with many travellers. She is one of the company’s most experienced staff members and has worked in the disability sector for over 25 years, mostly in the Bendigo region. Maureen holds a Certificate IV in Disability, Manual Handling, Management of Anaphylaxis, Basic Food Safety Practices, Evasive Self Defence, Infection Control and Mental Health qualifications. Maureen is a fantastic tour leader and has specialised knowledge in disability travel which she uses to ensure every traveller enjoys their holiday to the fullest. In her spare time Maureen loves spending time with her friends, her family and her dog.
Rosanne
Rosanne commenced with Leisure Options in May 2014, holds a Diploma in Youth Work, has obtained Certificates in ABI and Behaviour Support, Conflict and Aggression Management, Infection Control, Manual Handling and Incident Investigation. An avid Cats fan, Rosanne is always up for a discussion on footy.
Trevor
Trevor has lived in the Geelong area all his life. After working at Alcoa for 25 years Trevor had a career change and completed his Certificate IV in Disability and Mental Health. He enjoys working at Leisure Options as it gives him a chance to make people smile and laugh – he is never short on a word or joke. He has been working as a tour leader with Leisure Options since 2016, which allows him to also do volunteer work – currently he calls bingo at an Aged Care facility. Over the years, he has been a keen marathoner and triathlete. When he is not working, Trevor enjoys cooking, reading, travel and catching up with friends.
Become a Leisure Options Tour Leader
If you are interested in joining our team of Tour Leaders contact our office on 1300 363 713 or email us at mail@leisureoptions.com.au
