Raymond Arthy

Inducted into the Shell Rimula Wall of Fame in 2021.

Raymond Frederick Arthy, was born in 1945 in Beaudesert, Queensland.  Ray  started working in the transport industry at age 20 driving a local concrete truck.  Following this, Ray borrowed a  four tonne Bedford truck from his father to haul molasses for local dairies.  As demand grew, Ray bought his own eight tonne Austin, establishing the business, Arthy Rural Services, in 1972.  The fleet quickly expanded to handle loads such as whey, liquid feed and silage.  Feedlot and poultry manure were added to the mix with the purchase of a spreading business.  At one time, Ray serviced over 60 local farms, sourcing molasses from as far north as Tully.  Today, Arthy Rural Services is run by Ray & Kirtsey’s children, operating with  a fleet of nine trucks, eleven trailers and a staff of ten.

Ray was also a certified trailer manufacturer and produced gates, molasses roller drums and storage tanks as well as undertaking welding repairs and mechanical work.  A talented engineer, Ray  once manufactured a custom 25 tonne semi-trailer spreader. Interested local councillors wished to see the blueprints, only to learn the plans were written in chalk on the workshop floor! 

Ray’s dedication to his local community was evident when he declined external contracts in order to meet the needs of local farmers for all seven days of the week.  Ray loved being able to provide a service that was integral to his farming community especially in times of crippling drought when a molasses delivery meant the world to struggling farmers.  Ray has been active in community events, dedicating 30 years to the management committee of the Beaudesert Show Society and acting as chief steward for the Saturday Night Entertainment program.  Ray’s passion for speedway also saw him participate in four Endeavour Foundation rallies. 

Now retired, Ray is an active member of Beaudesert Rotary but he and Kirtsey spend a lot of time travelling Australia in their caravan.