George Clark (left) and Wally Henderson (right)
The first RACQ road patrols - 1925
In recognition of the club’s patriotic efforts during the Great War, George V approved the use of the “Royal” prefix in 1921 – and with that, the ACQ became the RACQ. Royal approval coincided with efforts to extend the club’s reach throughout the state by establishing regional offices. By 1930, 46 regional branches as far north as Innisfail were established, despite the crippling impact of the Great Depression. This expansion allowed membership numbers to increase dramatically from just 987 in 1920 to 6327 in 1930.
The club’s promotion of drive tourism encouraged members to go further afield with their vehicles which, given that mobile phones were 60 years away from invention, made breaking down a dangerous proposition for motorists.
To assist members stranded by the roadside, the club commissioned two mechanics, George Clark and Wally Henderson, to patrol the roads in search of disabled vehicles. It was this service that helped build the club into the essential organisation it is today. In the eight decades since George and Wally took to the streets, RACQ has rescued more than 25 million motorists from the roadside.
In 1926, to improve communication with its members, the club launched a monthly journal titled Queensland Motorist. Through the publication RACQ could keep members informed of its advocacy efforts and promote new products and services. Over time, the club’s various publications were merged into member magazine, The Road Ahead, which today boasts Queensland’s largest circulation, going to almost one million Queensland households.
World War II brought about a change in the club’s focus. The government imposed severe restrictions on motor vehicle use amid widespread protests, although by 1941 the reality of invasion loomed large in the minds of Queenslanders. RACQ was instrumental in facilitating petrol rationing throughout the state and provided maps and road information to the armed forces.
1926 The Queensland Motorist is launched
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