Timeline: 1970s
A truck accident upends the family and prompts the move to East Fremantle, Perth.
Events
- 9 Jan 1970 — Dick and son Norman in a single-vehicle smash (a semitrailer) at Hopetoun, Victoria. Dick severely injured, Norman slightly. See Hopetoun truck accident.
- Feb 1970 — Irine commences a Fashion Design course at East Sydney Tech.
- Nov 1973 — Richard (Johnstone) and Irine leave Sydney for overseas, starting with a month in Bali.
- Oct 1974 — J.H. Whillas dies after a long illness in Adelaide.
Notes & uncertainties
- After the trucking 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. Dick and Jim got jobs mowing lawns with the local council; Norman and Lea worked as TAs in refinery fitouts; Mark, Fi and Susan started at John Curtin HS; Greg and Craig moved to WA later. Cath worked at Wigmores.
Related pages
Sources
- Whillas–McLeod family history spreadsheet (Rev 4), 1970s sheet.