Our Team

With more than 50 years in the travel industry, Heidi is the heart and history of Global Village Travel. Having worked across airlines, wholesalers and travel education, she brings unmatched expertise and a deep understanding of what makes a journey truly memorable.

Her own travels span Europe, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, the USA, Canada, Scandinavia and Botswana, along with river and ocean cruises across the world. Heidi has a passion for crafting personalised itineraries — especially to Europe, Africa and South America — and always seeks out “highlight stays” such as châteaux, villas and historic hotels.

Known for her warmth, intuition and exceptional attention to detail, Heidi continues to support her long-standing clients while guiding Global Village Travel into its next chapter.

Ben is an experienced travel professional and passionate globetrotter, now based in Sydney since early 2025. Since joining the family business in July 2020, Ben has played a pivotal role in evolving what was Globetrotters Travel & Cruise - one of Queensland's longest-standing agencies - into the nationally focused and forward-thinking Global Travel Co.

Ben manages the Toowoomba office remotely while overseeing the company's strategic growth, brand evolution and digital innovation. With the agency originally founded in 1949 and serving travellers for over 75 years, Ben's leadership is firmly rooted in both heritage and vision.

In November 2024, Ben was elected to the Board of Travellers Choice, Australia's leading network of independent travel agents, named Australia's Most Outstanding Travel Agency Network at the NTIAs for four consecutive years. His appointment reflects a growing influence on the national travel landscape and a commitment to championing the success of Australian travel agencies.

Ben is extensively travelled across Europe, Asia, North America and Australia, with standout experiences in Italy, Switzerland, Ireland, the USA's Rocky Mountaineer, Tasmania, the Maldives, China and the Pacific Islands. His cruise portfolio includes Princess, Royal Caribbean, Cunard, Virgin Voyages and Carnival, providing valuable insight across a range of travel styles and clientele.

In late 2024, Ben enjoyed two memorable trips - a scenic return to Northern Italy and a magical family holiday to Disneyland California. His long-term goal is to step foot on all seven continents, with Antarctica top of the list.

Ben's approach to travel planning is shaped by his passion for quality coffee, architecture, rail journeys, the performing arts and immersive cultural experiences. With an Associate Degree in Spatial Science (Urban and Regional Planning), he brings a unique perspective to destinations and travel design, curating experiences that are meaningful, creative and highly personalised.

Under his leadership:

1. Global Travel Co (formerly Globetrotters) was nominated for Most Outstanding Leisure Travel Agency – Single Location at the 2023 and 2024 NTIAs, proudly reaching finalist status in 2023
2. Ben was nominated for Most Outstanding Travel Agency Manager in 2024, in recognition of his leadership, innovation and service to the industry

Bree brings creativity, modern thinking and a vibrant energy to Global Village Travel. As our marketing guru and travel assistant, she blends strong administrative and communications experience with a genuine love of travel. Well-travelled across the USA (including Hawaii) and Europe, she is fluent in Italian and passionate about cultural experiences, food, and helping clients feel inspired and supported.

A professional opera singer, Bree holds a Master of Music Performance (Opera) from the Queensland Conservatorium and currently performs full-time with the Opera Australia Chorus. Her background spans government engagement, marketing and for-purpose sector roles at Tanck, giving her a unique mix of artistry, professionalism and detail-driven organisation.

Bree is also Ben’s partner and a key part of the Balmain team, contributing both behind the scenes and directly to client care and creative direction.