RACQ's history
For more than 120 years, RACQ has been a trusted partner to members, evolving from a motoring club into a member-owned organisation dedicated to driving a positive future for all Queenslanders. Since formation in 1905, RACQ has constantly evolved to meet the changing needs of those we serve. Today, we have more than 1.7 million members and offer products and services including insurance, roadside assistance, banking, solar, auto and travel.
1905
In the historic Brisbane School of Arts, 12 motorists met to form the Automobile Club of Queensland (ACQ). A week later the Club’s first committee meeting was held. There were 18 foundation members, including one woman – Dr Lilian Cooper.
1915-1921
1915 - ACQ began providing a tourist service, preparing a list of potential motor trips in the Brisbane area with recommended routes.
1918 - RACQ’s first travel service was created, with a focus on organising driving day trips to nearby towns for members.
1921 - In recognition of RACQ's patriotic efforts during World War I, George V approved the use of the 'Royal' prefix in 1921 and, with that, the ACQ became RACQ.
1925-1926
1925 - RACQ commissioned two mechanics, George Clark and Eddie Henderson, to patrol roads in South East Queensland in search of broken down vehicles and stranded motorists – marking the very early beginnings of RACQ’s Roadside Assistance.
1926 - The Club launched its journal - The Queensland Motorist, guaranteeing the distribution of 4,000 magazine copies to members across the State.
1939-1945
1939 - World War II brought about a change in RACQ’s focus. With the government imposing severe restrictions on motor vehicle use amid widespread protests. RACQ was instrumental in facilitating petrol rationing and providing maps and road information to the armed forces.
1945- Post-war, RACQ purchased army Jeeps for use as patrol vehicles and hired many ex-servicemen. It also wielded considerable influence with government, successfully campaigning for increased speed limits and motorists’ rights. In 1945 the Club had 18,000 members.
1955-1965
1955 - Communication advanced significantly for the roadside service when two-way radios were installed in patrol vehicles, allowing officers to communicate directly with dispatchers.
1957 - RACQ reached a membership milestone, boasting 100,000 members across the State.
1965 - The organisation commissioned its first computer, paving the way for enhanced member services and future digital advancements.
1971 - 1987
1971 - RACQ Insurance was established and launched to Queenslanders.
1987 - Roadside service took another major leap forward in efficiency when a computer-aided despatch system was introduced.
1995-1998
1995 - Membership surpassed one million, more than one quarter of Queensland’s total population.
1998 - The Club opened a 24-hour call centre at Eight Mile Plains.
2005-2011
2005 - RACQ proudly reached 100 years and its centenary sparked year-long celebrations, including a state-wide travelling exhibition honouring 100 years of motoring in Queensland, a television documentary and a hardcover historical reference titled A Road Well Travelled RACQ's First 100 Years.
2011 - Embracing the rise of mobile technology, RACQ launched its first smartphone app, making it easier than ever for members to access services, request assistance, and stay informed while on the go.
2017-2019
2017 - RACQ successfully merged with QT Mutual Bank and RACQ Bank was born. RACQ Bank offers its members a range of banking products, including home loans, personal loans, term deposits, transaction accounts and savings accounts.
2019 - RACQ launched RACQ Travel, a joint-venture with Members Travel Group, allowing us to expand our travel services and provide personalised travel experiences for Queenslanders.
2022
RACQ Solar was established following the Club acquiring a majority stake in GEM Energy.
2024
RACQ announced a new strategic partnership with IAG, one of Australia’s leading general insurers, aimed at enhancing support for Queenslanders with their insurance needs.
RACQ today
At RACQ, our purpose ‘to drive a positive future for all Queenslanders’ sits at the core of everything we do. It guides our strategy, operations and product offering, and the way our people show up every day.
Whether that is through the work of our roadside assistance teams who get thousands of our members back on the road, our teams on the phone in our Queensland-based call centre and in our stores supporting members with their insurance, roadside and banking needs.
The support of our members enables us to fund our advocacy, education, community and Foundation work, which makes a significant and positive contribution to the way of life for all Queenslanders. That is why we are here.
Read more on our About Us page.
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