John and Helen Ross are entrepreneurs and philanthropists. Between them, they have achieved significant success in various business and charitable ventures over the past five decades.
Private sector commercial experiences include major executive positions, over 25 years, working for Toohey’s, Cottee’s (General Foods) and the Mars Corporation.
Positions ranged from plant manager(s), managing plant constructions, commissioning major plants to a Director of Mars Incorporated working in all their divisions (pet food, confectionery and human food)
In addition, for 23 years, John and Helen have been self- employed owning and operating four McDonald’s restaurants, as well as being original founders of Australia’s biggest luxury travel company, Captain’s Choice Tours, and founders of J&H Tours. They established, West of Kempsey from a virgin plot, Sherwood Estate Wines. John has been a Director of Hastings Estate, a partner to Cassegrain Wines.
In all these endeavours significant results were achieved with wide recognition from winner of five NSW Tourism Awards, major personal recognition some being John and Helen receiving OAM’s (Order Of Australia) for contribution to Tourism and Charities, original winner of Contribution to Regional Tourism by an Individual, receiving the highest worldwide award from McDonald’s-the Golden Arch Award.
They have been committed contributors to the community, some activities being, raising over $3.0 million for 10 Australian Children’s Charities, John and Helen are current Patrons of the Hastings Education Fund since its inception in 2013 and were original Patrons of the Glasshouse, Port Macquarie, since 2008. With a long list of charitable contributions and accomplishments as well as an avid thirst for travel and seeing the rest of the world, John and Helen continue to contribute to their communities through their charity work and fundraising as well as through business consulting services.
The purpose of this website is to elaborate on the various aspects of their work and public lives as well as, a major goal is, to offer the opportunity to consult with appropriate businesses to share their wealth of knowledge in the service of others.
If you have any specific questions or queries, please do get in touch.
