Caloundra family's 90-year connection to RACQ
Caloundra's Sue Kruger shares a remarkable family connection with RACQ that spans nearly 90 years.
Sue has dedicated 47 years to RACQ’s Caloundra agency, but her family's involvement dates to 1937 when her grandfather Horace Carter began providing roadside assistance to members via his Caloundra Motors business.
Sue first began helping at Caloundra Motors during school holidays as a 14-year-old, becoming a full-time employee in 1978 at the age of 18.
"By the time I joined, my father (Bob Smith) was managing the business as my grandfather had retired, although he still owned it," Sue said.
"I was serving petrol, taking calls from stranded motorists, serving customers in the shop, and handling all the bookkeeping as well."
Sue's brother, Robert Smith, who completed his mechanical apprenticeship at Caloundra Motors in 1967, took over the business in 1980, relocating it to the Kings Beach Service Centre.
In 1986, Robert established an RACQ agency on Bulcock Street, Caloundra’s main street, following a suggestion by the regional manager.
While the breakdown service remained at the Kings Beach Service Centre, the Bulcock Street agency became the hub for RACQ insurance, travel services, accommodation bookings, and vehicle inspections.
Horace Carter, right, beside his stepson Barry Smith and other Caloundra Motors employees.
Robert sold the service centre and retired in 2018, marking the end of an 81-year family connection with the business, however the RACQ legacy lives on.
Robert still owns the RACQ Caloundra store where his son, Agency General Manager Darren, and Agency Supervisor Sue continue the family connection with the Club.
As RACQ celebrates 100 years of roadside assistance, Sue reflects warmly on her family’s enduring association with RACQ and its service to members over the decades.
“RACQ felt like a family – it was families running those service stations and mechanical workshops providing roadside assistance across Queensland,” she said.
“Though RACQ still shares those member and community-driven values, it has grown into an even better business.
“In those early days, operations were small and scattered, but training introduced uniform standards, making roadside assistance smoother and more efficient.”
Robert Smith in front of the Kings Beach Service Centre workshop.
Robert agreed family ties were an important part of the relationship with the community and RACQ.
“RACQ was all about helping people and our family was a large part of the Caloundra community,” he said.
“And if you were an employee and not family, you became family.
“Because so many of my family members have worked in the business over the years, RACQ is very much part of our lives.”
As for her looming retirement, Sue hasn’t ruled out reaching the milestone of 50 years with RACQ.
“I might, you never know. It’s not too far away,” she said.
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