About Us

About Us

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Samford Travel Centre and later Travelscene Samford began as a one-woman operation 11 years ago by Ginny Macoun. In January 2006, Ginny and husband Phil had a “snow change” and relocated to Montreal (now Vancouver).

Joanne Harding-Smith, a part-time employee of Samford Travel, recognized the fabulous opportunity and took over the travel business as the new owner and manager.

Joanne comes with a wealth of experience in consulting and business development. She has 13 years experience looking after large corporate travel accounts in Sydney and through this, has gained valuable industry knowledge. Her undeniable passion is holiday travel.
Joanne is joined by a team of lovely and experienced ladies, who share her vast industry experience.

The Travelscene Samford Team

JOANNE_sm Joanne Harding-Smith
Owner/Manager
Years in the Industry: 22 years

So many places, so little time! I really enjoy exotic destinations which stir up the senses. I love Asia and have traveled throughout including Malaysia, Hong Kong, Macau, China, Cambodia, Thailand, Singapore, Bali and the Philippines and most recently, had 3 weeks in Vietnam with my husband and two young boys.
I’ve also enjoyed Europe and the UK and in particular, liked Wales. I have thoroughly enjoyed The United States, Hawaii and South America – including Argentina and Patagonia (breathtaking).
Also, once I discovered the joy of cruising I’ve always made sure I have at least one cruising holiday a year.
But don’t underestimate destinations on our own doorstep, I’ve traveled a lot throughout Australia, including NSW, Hayman Island, Hamilton Island, Lindeman Island, Dunk Island, Cairns and the northern beaches, Northern Territory, Broome, Kalgoorlie, Margaret River region, Barossa Valley, Hunter Valley (seeing a pattern?) Tasmania, skiing in Perisher and Thredbo.
Last year I finally went to Africa and enjoyed Zambia and South Africa – A&K style and I’m pleased to say that the trip met all my expectations – which were very, very high.
My favourite? I’ll never forget deep-sea fishing off the coast of Mauritius or the first time I went to Hayman Island – very different experiences and both very special places.

BARBARA_sm Barbara O Neill
Senior Travel Specialist
Years in the Industry: 22 years

I come from the land of saints and scholars. Where is that you may ask? The little green country on the windy side of Europe – Ireland. I have worked in the travel industry in both Ireland and Australia for almost twenty years and still love it.
My travels have taken me to the UK, Europe, USA, Bali, Fiji, Hawaii, Brazil, Argentina and others. Iguazu Falls, on the border of Argentina and Brazil was one of the most spectacular places I have been to. Here I was lucky enough to enjoy a helicopter ride over the falls.
I also love traveling in Australia and have been to many places including Cairns, the Whitsundays, Tasmania, the southern states – Perth and the Margaret River region. I have a soft spot for Fraser Island and think it’s a great place, right on our doorstep where you can enjoy the wilderness, fauna and ocean.
More recently I have done some trips to Asia, which saw me taking in the sights in Singapore, Brunei and Indonesia. In Indonesia, I had the great experience of staying at the Club med resort. I also visited Hong Kong city and Hong Kong Disney and really enjoyed my time there.
My most recent trip was a little cruise sampler with the Dawn Princess for two days. Hopefully I will be able to do some more cruising soon.

KAREN_sm Karen Fisher-Smith
Travel Consultant
Years in the Industry: 11 years

I’m the youngest member of the team (he he). I relocated from the UK two years ago, so I’m still learning how things are done over here in Australia. Just loving it! I previously worked for British Airways for many years and have had the pleasure of traveling to the USA – specifically Oregon, Los Angeles, Tampa and New York as well as Canada.
Whilst working for British Airways I did get to see a lot of cities in Europe: France, Germany, Spain, Turkey, Cyprus, Italy and Greece. I’ve also been to Bali, Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
My favourite shopping place has to be New York. Barcelona has the cheapest and most affordable wine where you can literally take back as many bottles as you can carry, so if you need any advice on how many bottles you can fit into a wheelie bag I’m the person to ask. The Greek Islands are also very beautiful and I love the culture behind the tourist spots. Venice is the one place where I thought it looked just like you would imagine.
Since I have worked at Travelscene Samford, I have been on an adventurous 5-days in the North Island of New Zealand, doing silly things like white water rafting, jet boating and trying out the worlds most extreme flying fox. I also had the pleasure of spending a week in Fiji relaxing and enjoying the company of the Fijian people and visiting many different resorts.

DEBBIE_sm Debbie Gray
Senior Travel Specialist
Years in the Industry: 14 years

I have recently returned from the Maldives which is now my favourite destination!
I have also traveled throughout, and lived in Ireland and England for a few years. Fiji is another destination I have been to quite a few times, as well as Bali, Europe, USA , New Zealand and the Phillipines.I have been lucky enough to enjoy some cruising holidays throughout the Pacific.
I have traveled extensively throughout Australia to Perth, Alice Springs and Ayers Rock, Darwin, Adelaide and the Barossa Valley, Cairns and Port Douglas, Airlie Beach and the Whitsundays, Hunter Valley and extensively along the NSW coastline.
Over the past few years I’ve really focused on sports groups and organizing travel to various sporting events around the world. As my children are teenagers I am also heavily involved in organizing their end of school and schoolies trips to ensure everything goes smoothly.

HOW WE DO THINGS

Travelscene Samford are a boutique travel agency located in the heart of Samford. We pride ourselves on our personalised relationships with all of our clients, offering a strong commitment to making the whole travel experience as seamless and enjoyable as possible!

We are independently owned and operated and a member of Travelscene American Express. You have the assurance of working with a credible and service-orientated Travel Company. With just five staff, we work with you on a personal level, but also have the amazing benefits of a large consortium through the Travelscene American Express buying power.
Winners of the Samford Rotary’s “Annual Ethics in Business” award, Travelscene Samford combines 88 years experience. Our consultants are all hand picked and committed to our way of thinking – quality rather than quantity.
Our travel specialists are skilled at creating customized itineraries designed with your preferences and personal tastes in mind. We have developed strong working relationships with travel suppliers, which enables us to access the most up to date information on how to get you the best value for money. Being independently operated, we can also use the travel suppliers that we think are best for our clients and not be restricted to only using preferred suppliers that are negotiated by a chain’s head office. Not only will we design your itinerary, we will advise and assist you through every stage of the travel process, from organizing your travel arrangements (such as local transfers and domestic connections), to providing regional information and ensuring your safety and well-being.

The Travelscene Samford girls are knowledgeable and active in the industry. We are constantly being educated, trained and have access to resource materials to equip us with the tools to offer the highest quality of service. We know what makes a great holiday – we live and breathe travel.

WHO WE WORK WITH

We know how important a good holiday is and we are dedicated to ensuring that you can travel anyway you like. Whether you’re looking for the high roller adventure, a trip for the whole family, your business trip to go as planned, or the holiday tour to last a lifetime, we have you covered.
Travelscene Samford also specializes in:
- Travel with Kidz (4-5 Star family travel)
Travelscene Samford are the Travel With Kidz experts. Our Travel With Kidz consultants specialize in family holidays worldwide, catering from 0-18 years. Based on experience, knowledge and building relationships, we have grown to be the family holiday experts.

AWARDS  RECEIVED

  • 2009 Samford Rotary Club’s annual Ethics in Business award
  • 2009 Office of the Year Award with Travel with Kidz
  • 2008 Finalist in Travelscene’s Agency of the Year in Queensland
  • 2008 Outstanding Sales with Kirra Tours
  • 2007 President’s Award by Samford & Districts Chamber of Commerce
  • 2006 Top Producing Agency with Travelscene Cruise Holidays
  • Of course Travelscene American Express has won Best Travel Agency Group in Australia for 2006 & 2008

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

Travelscene Samford actively supports our local community. We are members of Samford’s new Green Street programme, which highlights our desire to have a more sustainable and energy efficient office.
We are also pleased to sponsor the Samford Rangers Soccer Club, the Samford Stags Football Club, Samford Netball Club, Samford State School, Mount Samson School, Brothers Swim Club, Samford’s Music in the Valley, Lions Club of Samford, McGrath Foundation, Keperra Country Golf Club, Dayboro District Progress Association, Samford Bowls Club, Ferny Grove Bowls Club and Endeavour Rally.

For all Media inquiries please contact:
Kaw Agency – Lifestyle Marketing Agency
E|
Kelly@kawagency.com.au
P| (07) 3122 6151