Ross Wightman

Inducted into the Shell Rimula Wall of Fame at Reunion 2010

Ross was born in 1943 on a family orchard in the Adelaide Hills. He worked along side his father and brother taking pride in loading produce 3 days a week on their truck for the trek to the East End Market.

In 1977 Ross and his business partner were sub-contractors to Quarry Industries (QI) Premix Concrete Plant at Marino in South Australia. Recognized as reliable and committed, they were offered an opportunity to move west and sub-contract a fleet.

The idea was that the fleet of trucks would operate from a plant to be established at Wanneroo (Gnangara) to supply the fast developing north-west corridor of Perth. So commenced Ross' contribution to the road transport industry. Wanneroo Transport was formed and Ross (and family) drove across the Nullabor taking with them five new International Acco trucks purchased in Adelaide. The agitators were fitted in Perth and an additional five Leylands purchased there. The Leylands proved more reliable in the unforgiving sandy terrain. Trucks were also consigned to service contracts Quarry Industries held in other locations such as Karratha, Goldfields and Caiguna.

In the late 80s Ross moved on to establish a fleet of trucks including Volvos and Scanias delivering roofing tiles, limestone blocks etc. Ross preferred the reliable Scanias (the 1987 'shopping trolley' being his favourite). Next he established a service for fresh produce growers in the outlying northern areas, including Centre West Exports. Produce was picked up and delivered in refrigerated tautliners to the wholesale markets in Canning Vale. Ross Wightman also carted containers to Freemantle Wharf.

Ross retired in 2008 after 40 years of trucking (and more than 40 trucks): his son Warren continues with the business. The 'Shopping Trolley' continues on reliably, having just been converted to a beaver tail tray top for transporting his 'hobby' restorations of light tractors and assorted implements.