Retired truck driver Elaine Steley, 82, has been identified as one of the victims tragically killed in the recent North Queensland floods.
Remembered as a hard-working pioneer of the trucking scene, Elaine loved trucks ever since she was a little kid – following in the footsteps of her father.
According to close friend Liz Martin – who runs the Stories From the Road Museum in South Australia – “Elaine was an old school truckie, a hard worker with a heart of gold and a bit if a larrikin who wasn’t afraid to tell it like it was.”
Taught by her father, Elaine learnt to drive in an old Blitz when she was just 11 years old.
“For all her life Elaine was known as a hard worker and she credited those early years working with her dad for giving her that work ethic,” said Liz.
Elaine and her husband Neville bought their own truck in 1960, an old International AA 164 Series from her father. “They operated it at the salt works at Bajool, Queensland,” said Liz. “Then in 1962 they moved to Mackay and started hauling cattle. Just like the old days Elaine was either behind the wheel or under the bonnet every chance she got.”
She went on to do two-up work with Neville, carting grain, cattle and hay, but he sadly passed away in 1979. “It was a tough time for Elaine and she decided to give away trucks and concentrate on bar work for a while,” said Liz.
It was 10 years later that Elaine met her second husband Ron, also a truck driver, and she returned to the road, going on to work in various roles.
Before her retirement, she spent time in the mines and then became a much loved publican, with stints managing Silkwoods and then Hotel St Patricks.
“In her retirement Elaine loved catching up with people and sharing a few tall tales about her life in trucks,” said Liz. “With Elaine there was always a tall tale usually accompanied by her infectious laugh.”
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