Walter Immoos says he could not have done all he has without his wife always there as his rock and support. And that is a great tribute from a man who has done so much. The couple are preparing to leave the region after what they described as a fabulous 10 years.

This week as they packed up their Berry home Mr Immoos was making appointments to see his doctor and dentist. Not for a check-up. But to say good-bye. Like many who encounter the man affectionately known as Walter they have become close friends. The couple are finding each day filled with people Mr Immoos worked or had contact with during his role as general manager of the Novotel Wollongong Northbeach. All wanting to catch up with he and his wife before they leave.

Packing is being interrupted with regular phone calls and requests for a coffee, lunch and dinner from many people whose lives have been touched by a genuine, warm, kind-hearted man everyone wants to wish the best.

The couple have enjoyed every moment of their time in the region. They fell in love with Australia when they visited Brisbane during Expo 88. Since marrying him 33 years ago in South Africa Mrs Immoos has many times witnessed why he is so loved by people he works with in tourism and hospitality.

In the Illawarra he is highly regarded because of the contribution he has made to the community and many individual lives. He greets everyone with a smile of sincerity. And when Walter asks how people are doing, he genuinely wants to know. He is highly respected as a good caring boss. And as the inaugural ambassador for Highlights for Hope he revealed much about what makes him the man who is respected by so many others as well.

In a previous Weekender Mr Immoos bravely told his own journey and battle with depression after he was the pillion passenger on a motorbike ridden by his father when it was involved in a fatal accident. That personal story of losing his father in such a way as a teenager helped many in community.

Those looking back on his time in the Illawarra regard the former Novotel boss as a man who has made an enormous impact. He is regarded fondly as Wonderful Walter. And this week he reflected on his time in what he described as a region with a great sense of community. Mr and Mrs Immoos both said what they would miss the most about Wollongong and Berry are the people. 

The regard they are held in was summed up by Novotel human resource manager Emily Squires who described her boss of 10 years as a key leader. She is among those who have been trying to catch up with him before he leaves because she wants to acknowledge and thank him personally.

Mrs Squires said he was never afraid to state his opinion and was a great leader. Not a day goes by when she is not asked about her former boss.

“Walter is a first class gentleman who completely lives and adheres to his own personal values. He is a passionate general manager who builds long lasting relationships and provides guidance to many. Walter just understands people. He has been a mentor, a confidant, a friend and a role model. I feel I am a better person because of him.”

Mr Immoos is moving to Pelican Waters and is thinking about doing some work in age care. But his priority is to spend more time with his wife of 33 years. Both are from Switzerland and came to Australia because they love the warm climate.

Destination Wollongong general manager Mark Sleigh knows whatever Mr Immoos does next he will make a big impact because he is “a completely selfless visionary” who gives so much time and energy helping others achieve their goals. 

“Walter was far happier in the background, with the cheeky smile and glass of red, letting everyone else take the credit. Walter’s passion is people. He can sense when someone is down. He can sense when someone needs a hand. He knows when you need a pat on the back to make that extra effort. He didn’t walk past a guest in the hotel without smiling and say hello. He is a very special man in that you leave his company feeling better about yourself and positive about the future.”

Mr Sleigh will never forget their first meeting.

“He told me he had 30 minutes. I left three hours later with two pieces of butcher paper that still sit in my office draw. His vision from five years ago is more relevant and timely today than ever. Most importantly. It is happening.”

Mr Sleigh will always remember Mr Immoos’s sense of humour.

“It doesn’t do justice to say Walter was a mentor or a great friend. He does things for the right reasons and to achieve long term results. His passion for what and who he believes in knows no bounds. Wollongong is a far better place for having had Walter share his experience, passion and vision.

Former Destination Wollongong chair Matt Davidson said people always knew where they stood with him. “It is refreshing to be able to count on someone’s genuine and straight-forward opinion. Walter was a big part of the reason that the region’s hotels and major tourism businesses continue to take a co-operative marketing approach. He is passionate and driven to succeed. Walter is personable, approachable and available. He was an inspiration, community focused, generous and truly supportive of his team.”

Mr Immoos said winning an international award within Accor was an important achievement. Not because of the recognition for him but what it meant for the region. “It shows someone in a regional area like this can be noticed on a global scale”.