Kenneth Nelson

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

Kenneth Nelson was born in Balranald on the 6th March, 1942. Ken's first job was working for his father's company, Balranald Transport Service driving an International KB7 for £14 a week.

The first new truck he drove was an R190 International. In 1974 Ken went out on his own and bought the truck he was driving at the time, a Bedford with a 53T GM carting general, wool, timber, grain and fertilizer.

Not long after starting his own business, Ken was approached by the NSW Barley Board and started storing barley for a number of years. In 1987 Bunge Flour Mills entered the deregulated wheat market and began a long association with K & SL Nelson. Along the way Ken also started up a ready-mix business and has been a long-time Pivot agent. In 1989 there was a tragic accident where the local general carrier Robert (Bob) Duryea was killed in his truck and as there was no-one to take on Bob's business, Ken stepped in and is still servicing the town of Balranald today with the help of his son and son-in-law. During Ken's life there have been many ups and downs, good and bad times but one of the worst was when his best mate was killed while driving for the family business.

Ken's favourite truck would have to be the Kenworth cab-over because it is a good all rounder. It fits all B-double combinations, road train, rigid tipper and as necessary a ready-mix bowl. Around 1978-80, if it wasn't a Kenworth it didn't get much of a look in. Ken had a White Road Boss which wasn't around long and then got a brand new Ford LNT which Sylvia wanted. It was always known as Sylvia's truck especially when something went wrong with it. This means: it's your truck, you fix it.

All Ken's life he has had the motto whatever it takes, when providing service even if it means there was nothing in it for him. Nothing has ever been put in the too hard basket.

Ken has been a lifelong supporter of Meals on Wheels, the Gun Club, junior football and the Balranald motorcycle, football and pony clubs and the rescue squad.