Early Life and Education
Charlotte Vidor was born in Poland in 1934, and her family emigrated to Australia in 1948 after enduring the hardships of World War II and the Holocaust. Completing her education at Sydney Girls High School, Charlotte excelled academically, topping the state in two subjects. She secured a scholarship to the University of Sydney, where she pursued a degree in pharmacy while working in her parents’ jewelry shop in Sydney’s CBD.
Marriage and Early Career
In 1958, Charlotte married Ervin, a Hungarian immigrant who had come to Australia at the age of 17 to start anew. While Charlotte worked as a pharmacist, Ervin studied for his commerce degree at the University of New South Wales and launched a costume jewelry business. Their partnership set the stage for their future ventures together.
Founding TOGA
In 1963, Charlotte, Ervin, and local builder Antonino (Tony) Stillone co-founded TOGA, initially named Progress Developments. They embarked on their first project, developing two blocks of nine units in Glebe, an inner-western suburb of Sydney. Charlotte later obtained her auctioneer’s and real estate agents’ licenses, establishing Robert Edwards Real Estate as part of the TOGA Group in the mid-1970s. Her commitment to education continued as she earned a Master’s degree in Urban Studies from Macquarie University in 1988.
Innovations in Hospitality
During a trip to America in the 1980s, Charlotte and Ervin were inspired by the concept of serviced apartments and saw an opportunity in the Australian market. In 1982, Charlotte led the creation of the Medina Randwick service apartment complex, which marked the beginning of TOGA’s expansion into serviced apartments. The company became a leader in this new sector throughout the 1980s, later diversifying into limited-service hotels with Travelodge properties and full-service hotels under the Vibe brand. In 2013, TOGA joined forces with Far East Hospitality to establish TFE Hotels, which now operates nearly 80 hotels and more than 10,000 rooms across Australia, New Zealand, and Europe.
Contributions Beyond TOGA
Charlotte’s influence extends beyond her business endeavors. From 2014 to 2017, she served as a Member of the Australian Multicultural Council, advising the Federal Government on multicultural affairs. She was a director of the JewishCare Foundation Trust for a decade, from 1995, and also held positions as a director of Events New South Wales and Tourism New South Wales.
Recognition and Awards
In 2021, Charlotte was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in recognition of her significant contributions to the multicultural community, tourism, and urban planning. Her leadership was further acknowledged when she was named on the New South Wales Honour Roll for International Women’s Day in 2006.
Induction into the Australian Property Hall of Fame
In a celebration of her remarkable achievements, Charlotte was inducted into the Australian Property Hall of Fame alongside Jim Hazel, recognizing their significant contributions to the property industry. This honor highlights her pioneering role in the serviced apartments sector and her impact on the industry, particularly for women in construction and development.
Legacy
Charlotte Vidor’s journey from a Holocaust survivor to a leading figure in the Australian property and hospitality sectors is a testament to her resilience and vision. Her advocacy for multiculturalism and commitment to community service has left a lasting legacy, inspiring future generations in both business and public service.
