By Adrian Handyside
Our July speaker was found from among the Club’s ranks, Andreas Trautmansdorf.
Andreas grew up in a small village of Thal near Graz in southeastern Austria.
The village policeman was August Schwarzenegger whose son Arnold became the most well-known Austrian.
At age 15, Andreas enrolled at hospitality college and, following compulsory military service, he began a career in the hospitality industry.
Andreas initially moved to Vancouver, Canada, however after just over a year returned home following family illness.
Andreas then spent seven years managing three restaurants near Salzburg.
Despite the pressures of the profession Andreas found time to marry, father three children and emigrate to Australia.
Andreas began his down under career as Grill Manager at the Sheraton Wentworth Club.
Senior managers quickly recognised his abilities and over the ensuing years he was rapidly promoted.
Andreas met several VIP guests including Her Majesty The Queen and the then Prince Charles and Princess Diana.
Andreas transferred to Perth during the Americas Cup yacht competition – the largest international event Australia had ever hosted at the time.
Another promotion saw Andreas and family move to Port Douglas where over his four years, he looked after many celebrities from former US Vice President Dan Quale to singer-songwriter Bon Jovi.
Andreas moved to Bali with Intercontinental Hotels Group to open their Bali resort where he developed a reputation for turning around struggling hotels.
Throughout his professional life Andreas made time for his abiding love – golf – that he has continued within Probus taking on the mantle of Golf Sub Interest Group Convenor.
The meeting also saw Robert Brand inducted into the Club having transferred his membership from Tasmania.
Robert moved to Tamborine Mountain being attracted by the climate and to be closer to his daughter.
Robert initially trained as a chemist before going on to have a highly successful career within both the public and private sectors with many achievements as a company director and corporate executive.
