The tourism, hospitality and entertainment industry lost an prominent and flamboyant contributor and friend last week, with the passing of Ann Garms OAM.
In her long business career, Ann not only established numerous leading and innovative restaurants and retail outlets, she also changed the entertainment scene in Brisbane with the creation of the Tivoli Restaurant and Theatre. Her commitment to the preservation of Queensland's built heritage was another passion that saw Ann campaigning for better legislation and working with the National Trust of Queensland.
Ann’s vision for quality services in tourism and hospitality extended well beyond her own business interests. She remained always dedicated to ‘raising the bar’ of Queensland’s service offering, driven by a fierce competitive spirit and a keen understanding of international trends.
She was a pioneer – against the odds – in bringing about the establishment of the College of Tourism and Hospitality (COTAH), now part of TAFE Queensland Brisbane Campus. She was later appointed by government to the Board of the Southbank Institute of Technology with a focus on tourism and hospitality. Her interest in supporting and mentoring young talent in the industry never waned and she committed not only much of her time to it, but also personally sponsored work experience trips for may aspiring chefs to some of Europe’s most prestigious hotels. Ann was always supportive of QTIC and only a few years ago we had the privilege of hosting her, along one of her proteges, celebrity chef Damian Head, at a QTIC function at the Southbank Institute of Technology.
Ann had a generous, energetic and indomitable spirit that was infectious to all around her. She would show up in the office with big bunches of flowers – just because every day was worth celebrating.
We celebrate her life and her contribution to our industry.
Ann's funeral service will be held at St Mary's Church Kangaroo Point, Brisbane at 1pm on Monday 23 July 2018 . The burial service will take place at South Brisbane Cemetery (entrance via Annerley Road, Dutton Park).
Read The Courier-Mail's story here.
