MURRI’S ON THE MOVE, COMMUNITY-DRIVEN SUCCESS (QLD)
Skilled volunteer Roy with Kerry, Murri’s on the Move Founding Director and Principle Driving Instructor.
One of Murri’s on the Move vehicles.
Murri’s on the Move Driving School Limited (MOTM), understands the value of a person obtaining a driver licence.
As a not-for-profit Indigenous organisation, their aim is to eliminate barriers and assist their mob to gain a learner licence and transition to a full provisional driving licence. Based on the Sunshine Coast, they were established in 2012 following a successful learner driver pilot program.
“Having a driver licence creates opportunity to seek and secure fulltime employment. For many jobs and trades, holding a licence is mandatory and for many apprentice positions, being able to travel to secure work is a basic requirement. A driver licence is an essential part of life.”
Kerry, Murri’s on the Move Founding Director and Principle Driving Instructor.
MOTM first approached us for support in 2014. They were a small driving school run by Founding Member and Principle Driving Instructor, Kerry, and a volunteer Board. During the previous three years, they delivered subsidised training to more than 500 people. With demand for places far outstripping what they could supply, they wanted assistance to expand their program.
CONNECTING WITH VOLUNTEERS
Community First Development’s Senior Community Development Officer, Eddie, connected MOTM with Community First Development volunteer, David. With his transport industry experience, David supported MOTM to submit two grant applications to the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads. These aimed to expand MOTM’s program, strengthen their governance and administration, and ultimately assist more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to gain their drivers licences to reduce the road toll, unlicenced driving and incarceration rates.
MOTM’s applications were successful and they expanded their training program and purchased a new vehicle fitted with dual controls and signage. In late 2016, as their business ramped up, they again requested support to strengthen MOTM’s financial management and capabilities. Two Community First Development volunteers mentored and worked alongside Kerry as part of this project: Marella, with Excel and bookkeeping skills, assisted with data input; and Roy assisted Kerry to set up and use the MYOB accounting package.
“I haven’t looked back. I’ve also taken on his [Roy’s] advice and employed a part time bookkeeper to free up my time. And to do so move MYOB to online access so we could share account files.”
Kerry, Murri’s on the Move Founding Director and Principle Driving Instructor
COMMUNITY-DRIVEN SUCCESS
Since then, MOTM has gone from strength to strength. They now have six driving instructors, three vehicles with dual controls and signage, and their service area has expanded one hour south to cover the Moreton Bay region.
Their services extend beyond that of driving tuition. MOTM is very involved in the local community, connecting their students to additional support through their collaborations with a myriad of providers and job agencies. Kerry and her team build trusting relationships where they can mentor students and refer them to essential services like job providers, health services, training and development and community events.
PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE
In 2020, MOTM approached us for support as they embarked on the next stage of their journey.
They want to measure their results, map out the future direction of their business and strengthen their operations. Eddie connected MOTM with Community First Development volunteer, Russell, who has business development and strategic planning expertise. Russell worked closely with MOTM on a weekly basis to develop a draft Strategic Plan. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, this has occurred via Zoom videoconferencing.
After multiple iterations and opportunities for feedback, the MOTM Board approved the Strategic Plan. The Plan outlines MOTM’s five-year vision, strategic goals and the steps they will take over the next three years to achieve these goals. They are now in a stronger position to apply for funding.
“Russell [volunteer] was very knowledgeable and knew how to translate our vision and long-term goals into a well-documented Strategic Plan.”
Kerry Turner, MOTM Founding Director and Principle Driving Instructor
As both Russell and Eddie observed, developing the Strategic Plan also assisted Kerry to see a bigger and brighter future for MOTM, with potential expansion in Queensland and interstate.
Eddie has also connected MOTM with Community First Development volunteer Ian, a politician and former senior lecturer in political science, to support them to seek funding to purchase two more dual control vehicles to meet community demand.
It has been a pleasure working with MOTM over the years and watching them go from strength to strength.
“Community First Development is our ‘Go to people’ to connect us with skilled volunteers. We are very grateful for the assistance that each provides us. Thank you to Community First Development for helping us achieve our goals and contribute to our ever growing story and success!”
Kerry, Murri’s on the Move Founding Director and Principle Driving Instructor
MOTM would also like to acknowledge the following individuals who have been instrumental to their development and success: Uncle Norm (Cultural Learner Licence Program); Jason Carr, Lance and Sally from EQ who Initiated the pilot program; and Nelly from Tjiltjapuna Web Designs who is their Information and technological wizard.