visit raa.com.au
From humble beginnings organising social drives, the club soon became a trusted helping hand and motorist advocate, coordinating country fuel deliveries for members and challenging early ‘anti-motoring’ bylaws.
With more than 840,000 members and connecting with over 70% of households around the state, RAA now provides motoring, home and travel services, and remains a strong voice for the issues that affect South Australians.
RAA Chief Executive Officer Nick Reade said the milestone was a chance to reflect on how far RAA has come.
“Those 15 founders were motoring enthusiasts who wanted to enjoy the open road together, and they soon found themselves helping fellow motorists and speaking up on their behalf,” Mr Reade said.
“That instinct to be there for our members and community has never changed.
“It’s why, 123 years on, we’re still showing up for our members on the road, in their homes, and in their communities.”
That story is told in a history showcase at RAA City, RAA’s new CBD location at 150 Grenfell Street, Adelaide.
Highlights include a copy of Australia’s first driver’s licence, issued to early member Dr William Hargreaves, and the evolution of RAA road service, from pushbike to motorbike with sidecar to Austin A40, alongside artefacts tracing RAA’s history from 1903 to today.
“The displays tell the story not only of RAA, but also some remarkable South Australian history,” Mr Reade said.
“Everybody is welcome to come in and see how closely our story is intertwined with the state’s.”
RAA’s history showcase is open Monday-Friday, 9am – 5pm alongside Café 1903, named to commemorate RAA’s founding year. RAA members receive 25% off at the café.
From today, Monday 15 June, RAA’s Hindmarsh Square Shop and corporate workforce will move to…
The 2024-25 financial year saw the state’s largest member organisation: In the 2024-25 financial year…
RAA will provide members with even more benefits – as Major Partner and Exclusive Insurance…