Edward “Ted” Dorling

Inducted into the Shell Rimula Wall of Fame at ReUnion 2010.

Ted Dorling was just 15 years old when he went to work on Les Horsfield's farm at Thorpdale. His brother George worked for Les and had broken his leg at the time so Ted was called upon to help out for a few weeks. He was still there some 30 years later.

Ted began driving the International semi just into Thorpdale to drop off spuds and of course that distance soon grew to either Mirboo North or Trafalgar. Ted often travelled in the semi with Les to Adelaide to deliver potatoes. Les would give the kid a drive so that he could have some sleep. From that time on Ted was in the truck and going somewhere. His easy going nature made him favourite with many companies as he looked after their freight and was quite happy to go anywhere they sent him.

Horsfields had a fleet which was mostly Volvo 89s and F12s at that time. Ted drove for Horsfields until 1989, mostly to Bundaberg, Rockhampton and Atherton Tablelands, driving the first of the Volvo Globetrotters. Ted loves a challenge so if anyone had a difficult load to tranship he was the man for the job. He also drove for Alannon Transport for 7 years, RBD Transport 2 years and has been on local for Durkin Produce for 8 years. He received a bravery bward in 1993 for disarming a hijacker on a McCafferty's coach bound for Cairns.Ted is a likeable character who has always believed in helping a mate in trouble. Common sense is his best attribute.

Ted has been married to Kaye for 30 years and he has three children, Rick, Paul and Jennifer and eight grandchildren. He is a great hands on dad and pop. In his spare time he loves to go fishing or visiting friends.