A successful move from the public sector into the charter coach business

Five years ago, Ken Kercheval of Jindivick, Victoria, took a huge gamble. He gave up his day time job with the then Department of Sustainability & Environment DNRE to establish his own charter coach business.

Having lived and worked in the area for over 30 years, Ken has a great knowledge of the history and the flora and fauna of Gippsland’s bushland areas. Ken devises his own itineraries and is fully supported in his new venture by his wife, Dianne, who provides delicious morning teas.

Jindivick Charter & Tours has now expanded to include winery tours, art tours, nature tours and fishing trips. Ken can also offer shuttle services for large events, festivals and Open Garden Days.

Shopping trips and visits to markets and nurseries are also popular. Regular clientele include local service clubs, special interest groups, schools and travel clubs. Besides day trips, Ken also offers weekends away and interstate trips.

Elderly citizens and Probus groups love Ken because of his care and concern for their safety and well-being. He goes out of his way to give them a memorable day out.

Ken’s big break came when he formed a partnership with Jim Somerville, the CEO of Mount Baw Baw. With his Hazardous Area Authority Accreditation, Ken is the ideal person to transport groups to the snow and for the past two years, he has been running the Mount Baw Baw shuttle service twice a week.

More recently, Jindivick Charter & Tours won the contract to transport 230 players, supporters and officials associated with the seven day AFL Women’s National Football.