The Royal Automobile Club of Tasmania celebrates its 90th anniversary on 23 March.
Ninety years ago, in 1923, a Hobart café witnessed a meeting of motoring enthusiasts keen to support the new freedom opened up to Tasmanians by the motor car. Today, the RACT has some 190,000 members.
“At this distance, it’s hard to comprehend what a revolution the car brought to people’s lives,” says Harvey Lennon, RACT’s CEO. “Walking, steam and horse power were the only other – rather time-consuming – means of getting around for most Tasmanians.”
“When the Club was established, it began organising picnic trips into the countryside. At a time when cars weren’t very reliable, these organised outings came with the benefit of safety in numbers, just in case your car broke down in a remote location.”
The association’s breakdown service was established in 1927 with a part time, motorcycle-equipped officer. Today, RACT Roadside attends over 80,000 calls for assistance each year.
During the 1950’s the RACT expanded to all parts of the State, through amalgamations with other motoring organisations, and the establishment of a branch network.
The RACT Roadside breakdown service has been joined by many other services over the years, including Travel, Insurance, and Health Insurance. Only recently, the RACT introduced two new services based on member feedback: RACT AutoServe and RACT Auto Glass.
“While our background in helping Tasmanians forms a fundamental part of our culture, we’re always attuned to the aspirations and needs of our members in changing times,” Mr Lennon said.
“In line with our corporate vision we find ways to enhance life in Tasmania; RACT is adding a focus on Tasmanian tourism infrastructure – specifically accommodation opportunities – and the development of a member Club to our future growth strategy.”
“The RACT takes very seriously our role to support the wider Tasmanian community in which we live, work and raise our families and we’re a strong contributor to community activities and initiatives.
“Most recently, we have opened a special Bushfire Recovery round of the RACT Community Fund which will provide $20,000 in small grants for projects in areas affected by the recent bushfires.”
“On our 90th anniversary I pay tribute to the generations of Tasmanians who built the RACT. I and my staff are custodians of an organisation which has a proud history of standing up for Tasmanian motorists, and supporting the wider Tasmanian community,” says Lennon.
A Vice-Regal reception will be held at Government House to mark the occasion, and morning teas are being held for staff in RACT offices across Tasmania.
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