A lot can change over a century. Cars certainly have. Road rules, too. Even RACT‘s name has changed twice. Like many Tasmanian roads, their story has a few twists and turns, and detours into important parts of the social, political and cultural history of Tasmania. It’s a story of a community of people, a ‘Club’, who share a common interest in a common place. Their home.
1920s: Starting up
It was Wednesday, 21 March 1923, to be exact, when they first legally came into existence. It all started when two Tasmanians wanted to elevate the voice of motorists. The pair responsible for their inception were Raymond John Shield, a well-connected local accountant, and Allen Crisp, a lawyer who had served as a military officer in Gallipoli and on the Western Front with distinction.
Safety first
Born of the last few decades of motoring experience, RACT became a leading advocate for driver safety matters across all of Tasmania. They saw the introduction of road signs that alerted drivers of upcoming turns, intersections and approaching schools. Meanwhile, they wrote to local councils across Tasmania to erect town signage at their boundaries to inform motorists of where they were.
Their scout mechanics
The ‘20s saw their next revolution, with Australia’s first ‘scout mechanics’ hitting the road in Tasmania. In late 1923, John C. Oldham and John Murray Philp became their first on-road mechanics. They carried tools, a little petrol and a supply of club application forms for any drivers nursing a broken-down vehicle who weren’t yet members.
Rubbing shoulders
Tasmania’s Governor, James O’Grady, became their first patron in 1925.
A place to call home
With a rapidly growing membership, it was time for them to find their first home. In June 1925, they acquired space on the first floor of a centrally located building at 130 Collins Street, Hobart.
1930s: Connecting Tasmania
Early in 1931, they received a letter from a Mr G. Hayton requesting a branch of the club at Queenstown. At the time, there were about 50 car owners in the area. Thinking the suggestion an excellent one, the idea was approved immediately. Not only did they advocate and help build the West Coast Road, but they actively raised funds.
Becoming a touring destination
In early 1931, following the success of a members’ picnic in southern Tasmania, they lobbied for more respite spots across the state. The push to improve touring facilities was matched by their continuing interest in helping facilitate air travel. They played an integral role in growing public interest and subsequent government action to build an airport outside of Hobart.
Commemorating a King
On Saturday, 15 May 1937, their patron, Sir Ernest Clarke, in his capacity as Governor of Tasmania, planted an acorn sourced by the Club in the grounds of Fitzroy Gardens in Hobart.
1940s: Wartime activities
After a large fundraising effort, in 1941 they donated an ambulance to the war effort. They also introduced the ‘R.A.C.T Emergency Transport Corp’ in 1940. It was a register of members willing to help transport military personnel in the event of a local emergency. Fortunately, it was never activated.
1950s: Driving membership
Despite petrol shortages and city congestion, Tasmanians were driving more than ever. With busier roads and a higher demand on roadside patrols than ever before, they established a new ‘Service Membership’, a less expensive tier than previously offered.
Advocating for the ferry
They had been pushing for a modern Bass Strait ferry service and by the end of the decade this dream was becoming a reality. With the introduction of the Princess of Tasmania, the days when cars had to be drained of their fluids, have their batteries disconnected, and be lifted aboard the ships were over.
1960s: New to the road
In the early 1960s, the Tasmanian Government’s education department authorised driver training for schoolchildren, sponsored by various motor industry companies. They helped provide the driving instructors, before developing our own driver training in 1961.
Journeys as we know it
In July 1965, they acquired full ownership of Tasmanian Motor News, allowing even greater control over messaging. This would later go on to become Journeys in 2011.
1970s: Environmental movement
The issue of beautification cut across to the ‘70s with the swelling popular environmental movement. The Club drew attention to the importance for those who travel by car to co-operate more fully in protecting the numerous lakes, rivers and streams from pollution.
Rebuilding a bridge
When the Tasman Bridge was struck in January 1975, they were there to assist in reducing the impact on motorists and were among the leading advocates for repairing the bridge as quickly as possible. They also helped communicate and assist with the implementation of alternative transportation.
1980s: The insurance gambit
Moving into the insurance industry was arguably one of the most important single developments in their history since the roadside emergency service was introduced. It had been observed that insurance services were the key factor ensuring the financial vitality of mainland clubs. So, a decision was taken to shift from acting as an insurance agent to being wholly into the insurance industry; this came into effect in 1985.
1990s: Product growth
They continued adapting to suburban demand during the early ‘90s with more moves and products. A premium roadside service, RACT Plus, was introduced, as well as their own battery replacement service.
Show your card and save
To make it easier to prove membership and introduce new ways to reward members, they rolled out member cards. A scheme called ‘Show Your Card and Save’ was introduced in mid-1994, which gave members the opportunity to earn discounted consumer services and shopping opportunities around Tasmania. At its launch, the program had almost 30 different services and benefits. By 1996, there were over 220 businesses taking part in the program statewide.
Things to celebrate
Jean Trethewey was elected their first female president in October 1997. In addition to being their first female president, Jean was “the first woman in Australia to head a state automobile association”.
2000s: Help when you need it most
In line with the new millennium, they updated their wider branding look, most notably their logo. This was the most public sign of a two-year process of review into operations, community perception and strategic rethinking.
Wanderlust
In February 2004, they began a series of acquisitions and partnerships that saw them become one of Tasmania’s major travel businesses, forming RACT Travelworld. With nine retail branches located around the state, they were Tasmania’s largest locally-owned travel agency.
2010s: Here to help
One of the first things they did after bushfires ravaged the state in 2012-13 was to provide support for victims. Many of their members were, of course, among those who suffered loss through this disaster, so they immediately swung into action.
The place to be
They ventured into the tourism market with the purchase of Freycinet Lodge, Cradle Mountain Hotel, Strahan Village, Gordon River Cruises and the RACV/RACT Hobart Hotel.
2020s: Investing in insurance
They moved out of the tourism industry and provided further investment into insurance through the acquisition of the remaining 50 percent share of RACT Insurance from Suncorp.
Driving into the future
With more than an echo of their founding days, they are firmly focused on progress in Tasmania. It’s local issues that most concern them, because it’s local issues that most affect them, their members.
