Meet Kerry Turner
Meet Kerry, a First Nations woman from Kalkadun country (Mount Isa) and cofounder of a 100% Indigenous led not for profit driver training business on the Sunshine Coast. Over the past 13 years, Kerry has grown her business from a small start-up with a second hand car into a thriving program with six driver trainers and five vehicles, servicing high priority areas of Morton Bay and Cherbourg.
Her business goes beyond teaching driving. It addresses community barriers such as literacy, numeracy, financial hardship, and mental health challenges. Through tailored programs and mentoring, Kerry ensures learners succeed behind the wheel. Her dedication, combined with strategic planning and business development, has made the business a vital resource for First Nations people and other underserved communities.
“The business coaching support from Many Rivers has been fantastic. I’ve had one on one sessions with Tito from Many Rivers going through our finances and making sure the business is healthy.” – Kerry
Read more about Kerry’s business journey so far:
About Murris on the Move
We started our not for profit business after a successful 10 month pilot program through the Department of Education. It was so successful that I decided to officially register the business in December 2012. I began with just one car and myself as a driver trainer. Over the years, our program has grown significantly. We now have six trainers and five vehicles, supported by essential funding to help the community.
I’m a First Nations woman, born on Kalkadun country, Mount Isa, but I’ve lived all over Australia. My parents gave me a really good education, and I’ve always known I wanted to run my own business, though I didn’t know exactly what that would look like. My work experience in banking, finance, law, contract administration, and education has all contributed to my ability to run this business successfully.
Our focus is supporting people who face barriers such as low literacy or numeracy, financial difficulties, lack of mentorship, or other challenges. We deliver essential services to the community, helping them get behind the wheel safely and confidently.
Working with Many Rivers
I’ve always tapped into essential services like Many Rivers because I want to make sure what I’m doing is right and sustainable. The business coaching support from Many Rivers has been fantastic. I’ve had one on one sessions with Tito from Many Rivers going through our finances and making sure the business is healthy. I want to make sure that when I exit the business, the foundations are strong and someone can take over easily. Many Rivers has been really helpful in supporting that process. I was mainly looking for guidance on strategic planning and financial management. We had a five year strategic plan up to 2025, and with Many Rivers, we’re now working on a new five year plan that includes financial forecasting, cash flow projections, and future growth strategies. I also wanted advice on social media and marketing, which we hadn’t explored before.
I haven’t taken a loan from Many Rivers. We don’t need one because we own all our vehicles and resources. What we draw on from Many Rivers is the professional experience, knowledge, and advice, which is invaluable for the growth and sustainability of the business.
Achieving Growth Goals
The workshops and one on one sessions with Tito have been invaluable. They’ve helped me step back and look at the business objectively, forecast for the future, and plan ahead. It’s easy to get caught up in day to day operations, but the support from Many Rivers keeps me grounded, accountable, and focused on long term sustainability. I also feel comfortable reaching out to Tito whenever I need advice. He’s approachable and experienced, which makes a big difference.”
Impact of the Many Rivers Small Business Development Program
It’s made a huge impact. I now have a clear understanding of our cash flow and finances, which allows me to make informed decisions. The program has helped me see the business from a different perspective, adapt to industry changes, and ensure we’re sustainable.
It’s also helped me stay accountable, focused, and prepared for unexpected challenges like COVID or vehicle breakdowns. Many Rivers has given me tools to strengthen both the business and my leadership.
Challenges
We’re currently working on financial forecasting and updating historical data to identify trends. Funding is always a challenge, keeping the business afloat while maintaining resources like vehicles and equipment.
We also have to plan for staff wellbeing and work life balance, ensuring our team doesn’t burn out. Technology, data security, and keeping up with industry changes are ongoing challenges too. There’s always something to adapt to, and even small issues can create multiple steps to solve them.
Future Goals
Short term, we’re focused on finalising our financial forecasting and strategic plan. Long term, we want to continue developing our programs, including offline driver training modules, expanding our data collection and research capabilities, and refining technology systems like booking platforms.
We’re also planning to ensure sustainability and succession planning so the business can continue supporting the community for years to come.
Advice to other Indigenous Business Owners
I would definitely recommend Many Rivers. Talking to someone with experience can give you a different perspective, challenge your thinking, and provide ideas you may not have considered. Business is already hard, especially when you’re managing everything yourself, so having a mentor or coach to discuss ideas and strategies is invaluable. Seeking help is always a smart move.
Thank you Kerry for sharing your business journey with us. We wish you the best of luck with future endeavours and business success.
If you would like to stay updated with Kerry’s business, follow “Murris on the Move” through the following link:
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