Hopetoun Truck Accident (1970)

The accident that ended Dick Whillas's working life and precipitated the family's move to Western Australia.

Summary

• Date: 9 January 1970
• Place: Hopetoun, Victoria
• Vehicle: semitrailer (single-vehicle smash)
• Involved: Dick Whillas (severely injured) and his son Norman Vincent Whillas (slightly injured)

Aftermath

After the accident Dick could no longer do heavy work or drive trucks, and was bankrupted. The Invergordon Post Office was sold and the family (from Norman down) moved to 27 Malcolm Street, East Fremantle, Perth, beginning a new chapter for the family in WA.

Family recollection

Dick's daughter Teena recalled that “that's when they went to Fremantle,” connecting the accident with the family's move west. See Teena's interview.

Related pages

• Timeline: 1970s

Sources

• Whillas–McLeod family history spreadsheet (Rev 4), 1970s sheet.
• Interview with Teena McLean, interviewed by Erika Whillas, 16 Aug 2026.