RACQ celebrates 100 years of roadside assistance
For 100 years, RACQ Roadside Assistance has been there for Queenslanders, ensuring safe journeys and peace of mind on the road.
Whether it’s a flat battery, a blown tyre, or locked-in keys, RACQ’s dedicated patrols have delivered the "yellow truck feeling" — the relief of knowing help has arrived and you’re in safe hands.
It was 26 March 1925 when the Club appointed its first two mechanics, George Clark and Eddie Henderson, to patrol Brisbane on motorcycles, helping motorists who had broken down on the road.
Today, RACQ continues this important role for more than 1.2 million roadside assistance members with a fleet of over 750 roadside patrols, external service providers and tow trucks operating across the State.
RACQ Deputy CEO Glenn Toms reflected on RACQ’s humble beginnings and how the service first began.
"Cars were simple back then but also unreliable, and that’s how the service came about, the first RACQ patrols would be doing hands-on mechanical work on the side of the road," Mr Toms said.
"Most of our early members used their cars for short trips on the weekend or for work, many were doctors who relied on them to visit patients.
"The roads were rough, mostly dirt tracks, and the mechanics would patrol the north and south sides of Brisbane while carrying basic tools, spare parts, fire extinguishers, and first-aid kits.”
Over the years, RACQ embraced evolving technology to better serve its members.
“A century of technological change saw us move from handwritten notes to radio and data via mobile computers,” he said.
“Communication was a major challenge. At one point, patrols would travel to the nearest phone booth and ring into the control room to get their next jobs.
“In 1955, two-way radios revolutionised despatch, followed by a computer-aided system in 1987, which enabled direct messaging from the control room to a device inside the vehicle.”
Today, RACQ continues to adapt, expanding its services to meet modern needs.
“In recent years, we’ve reimagined our roadside offering to provide breakdown assistance for electric vehicles, caravans, large SUVs, e-bikes, motorhomes and personal mobility devices,” Mr Toms said.
“In 2024, RACQ patrols joined TAFE Queensland’s inaugural electric vehicle (EV) skills program, preparing them for the growing electric transport industry.”
One thing that has never changed is RACQ’s unwavering commitment to its members.
“While we’re an automobile club, it’s our members that truly matter,” Mr Toms said.
“Every day, we help around 2,000 people. From our contact centre team, despatchers and patrols to our tow operators, external service providers, and support staff, we’re here to make bad days better.
“It’s thanks to our past and present members that we exist and it’s thanks to our people that we have been able to serve Queenslanders for 100 years.”
Read more about RACQ’s history on our Celebrating 100 years of roadside assistance webpage.
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