# Hopetoun Truck Accident (1970)

The accident that ended [Dick Whillas's](/people/richard-charles-whillas-b1920) 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](/people/richard-charles-whillas-b1920) (severely injured) and his son [Norman Vincent Whillas](/people/norman-vincent-whillas-b1952) (slightly injured)

## Aftermath

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

## Family recollection

Dick's daughter [Teena](/people/christine-frances-whillas-b1947) recalled that “that's when they went to Fremantle,” connecting the accident with the family's move west. See [Teena's interview](/documents/interview-teena-mclean-2026).

## Related pages

- Timeline: [1970s](/timeline/1970s)

## Sources

- Whillas–McLeod family history spreadsheet (Rev 4), *1970s* sheet.
- [Interview with Teena McLean, interviewed by Erika Whillas, 16 Aug 2026](/documents/interview-teena-mclean-2026).