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RAA will move its Victor Harbor shop to a new location next week, as the next step in the member organisation’s almost 100-year involvement with the Victor Harbor community.
From 2 December, RAA’s Victor Harbor shop will be located at the Victor Harbor Central Shopping Centre, moving from its current spot on the Main Street, where RAA has had representation since the 1930s.
RAA General Manager Travel and Distribution Gina Norman said the state’s largest membership organisation was proud to continue its longstanding relationship with the Fleurieu Peninsula community.
“Our trusted team of local Fleurieu Peninsula residents is known by many in the local community and you’ll now see them at the Victor Harbor Central next to the National Australia Bank,” Ms Norman said.
“At RAA our heritage is in providing trusted motor and insurance services to South Australians, and this is something we’re proud to continue at our new location.
“However many South Aussies aren’t as aware that RAA Travel is the South Australia’s longest running travel agency, and interest in our travel services has been booming since international borders reopened after Covid-19.
“Our new Shop location gives us scope to expand our team of travel experts in the future and help more Fleurieu residents plan and book their next dream holiday.
“We’re always working on new ways to make it better to be a member at RAA as well, including with our new fair and transparent energy offer, RAA Energy, so we’d encourage locals can come in store and chat to us about any of these offerings.”
The move comes after more than 90 years of RAA having local representation in Victor Harbor.
In the early 1930s, local repair shop Griffin’s Garage became an RAA Road Service contractor as part of RAA’s first expansion into regional areas of South Australia, so they could assist the increasing number of drivers taking their vehicles on country trips.
Early Road Service contractors would be on standby to help motorists in the event they broke down or ran out of fuel – helping to solve ‘range anxiety’ experienced by early drivers.
In 1950, Griffin’s Garage became Toop Motors, and owner Lew Toop’s son, current Victor Harbor local Peter Toop, later became an RAA District Representative.
Peter Toop said it meant “all complaints from local motorists would come to me!”
“At Toop Motors, once my father purchased Griffin’s Garage we were a repair shop as well as the local Holden and then Mazda dealer for more than four decades,” Mr Toop said.
“We also saw the huge opportunity for travel services among the local community even back then – not just for domestic travel but internationally as well – so it was great to play a role in helping RAA Travel bring those offerings down here too.
“When I retired, RAA took over the District Office as a dedicated location to ensure an RAA presence was retained on the Fleurieu to assist local members.
“I know the local community appreciate having the face-to-face interaction with RAA when they need to discuss their insurance, road service or travel requirements, so it is pleasing to see that continue.”
RAA’s new location at the Victor Harbor Village shopping centre has the capacity for six RAA Travel agents and four Retail Sales consultants.
RAA’s team of consultants are all local residents, with the Shop led by Lauren Scott and the Travel team led by Claire Barnard. Robert Kidman is Regional Sales Manager.
RAA has also recently installed 12 electric vehicle charging stations on the Fleurieu Peninsula as part of its statewide charging network, RAA Charge, as the organisation seeks to address range anxiety for electric vehicle drivers – almost 100 years after they did so for SA’s early motorists in Victor Harbor.
Ms Norman said RAA was excited to greet new and existing customers at the new location.
“Come in and see our Victor Harbor team – we’re looking forward to welcoming you at our new RAA Shop.”