Kevin Vandeven

KEVIN VANDEVEN ,known as Dutchy, was born in September 1947 in Eindhoven, Netherlands and emigrated to Australia with his parents and three siblings in 1950. The family settled on a property on the banks of the Murray River at Walwa Victoria.

Dutchy started his trucking career in 1961 as a dunny man ably helped by his brother. He also carted hay for Jeff Yensch in a Ford V8 side valve. By 1964 he was driving a Toyota truck while he pursued a plumbing apprenticeship with Clive Mc Auliffe. Kevin said his gave him the desire and the experience he needed to gain his truck licence. In 1969 he took a job driving a J5 Bedford carting wheat and oats in Holbrook. In the early 1970s he drove a Dodge V8 petrol with Tiernan hauling a 1500 gal milk tanker for Cudgewa Dairy Co in Corryong. His daily run averaged 24 milk suppliers (dairy farms) in all weather.

"The only effective way to keep your hands warm was to sit on them".

In, 1973 when Murray Goulburn Dairy Co-op took over Cudgewa Dairy they sold all their trucks and replaced the fleet with Leylands and Commers and later a Mercedes Benz cab-overs. Murray Goulburn Dairy Co-op ceased trading in Corryong in 1986, and all the drivers were transferred to Keiwa. Dutchy commenced driving a 1988 Volvo F10 and later a Nissan UD Turbo -diesel. In 1990 Dutchy went to the Snowy Mountains. where he drove the workers to and from Khancoban each day in a Nissan VD Bus. The second job he had was trade assistant at the power station.

Kevin retired in 2010 due to ill health and currently resides in Yackandandah, Victoria with his wife, Beverly. Together they enjoy travelling, fishing and camping by the Murray River. They also raise a few head of cattle on their property. Kevin was (and still is ) fastidious about keeping his vehicles them in mint condition. He is a 'Jack of all trades' being able to turn his hand to anything. He is especially skilled at welding and takes much pleasure in being able to fix any challenge thrown before him.