Ken Mead
Ken Mead was born in Narembeen, WA on 30/09/1938, but grew up in Chowerup where his father farmed and drove the district school bus. Ken began driving an International L162 in 1954 carting short logs for the local timber mill.
Ken purchased his first truck in 1958, a 5 tonne AR 162, and in 1960 still carting logs, an International 162AA. In 1974 Ken managed the local timber mill and bought a 1967 Commer CC. He upgraded in 1980 to a C1900 International, with VT190 V8 Cummins engine, and tip trays.
In 1984 Ken purchased a 1982 M112 Scania and 40ft trailer, and his love of driving and trucks was realised. He rebuilt the engine himself and the truck was well known in the district, the kids loved it. Ken then carted wool to Perth and returned with general freight.
In 1988, Ken and his son purchased a small business which included a 1979 UD. In the early 90's Ken, driving the M112, travelled between WA and Vic carting farm machinery. During next 20 years more Scanias were purchased. Loads were now typically wool, grain (road trains), sheep and cattle, but included deer and grapes.
In 1997, driving a Scania H144 Ken and his wife Peggy, travelled weekly from WA to Brisbane carting farm machinery to the east and returning with general. With one unusual load being two date palms from Adelaide to the Gold Coast.
One memorable trip was driving a road train around Australia in 2000, leaving from Boyup Brook going to Townsville, via Adelaide and Brisbane. Then to Karratha via Mt Isa, Katherine and Kununurra, then to Perth, back to Karratha again, and lastly home. A momentous trip, dealing with floods and all the north of Australia can throw at you.
No longer in the trucking business Ken is not ready to retire, whether co-driving, picking up new trucks from the East or driving locally, he takes any opportunity to get behind the wheel. Otherwise he's tinkering with engines or restoring his 50's Fordson tractor.
A career spanning over 60 years and still going strong, with so many good memories of the people, places and loads. Such a life in trucking deserves a place on the Shell Rimula Wall of Fame.