Providing roadside assistance takes on a whole different meaning when you’re in the bush.
Paul Bienek knows this well, as he hangs up his keys after working with RACQ as an external service provider for 56 years.
Located on the Dawson River in Central Queensland and home to just 500 people, Baralaba has been supported by Paul and his wife Allison at Baralaba Motors and Engineering for decades.
Paul belongs to RACQ’s network of contractors, who operate all over Queensland to help members on the roadside wherever needed.
RACQ CEO Assistance Glenn Toms said external service providers like Paul were the heart and soul of the Club, supporting their communities 24 hours a day.
“Paul’s years of service are an incredible achievement,” Mr Toms said.
“It is a generational contribution, not just for RACQ and our members, but to the community of Baralaba and its surrounds.”
As Paul eases into retirement, it may take him a while to call ‘tools down’.
“I still get to the shop before 8am every day. As soon as I put the key in the front door and smell the grease, it lifts me up,” Paul said.
Paul Bienek is heading into retirement with a legacy of service to his community. Photo Jake Ryan.
When reflecting on his years on the road, Paul said it boiled down to his strong sense of community.
“It’s humbling. Of all the things I’ve done in my life, this is the pinnacle of it all,” he said.
“It’s all been for the good of other people, for our family, and for RACQ. The thing I’ll miss most is the connection between absolute and total strangers.”
Contract Area Manager Stewart Welsh built a relationship with Paul over 11 years, travelling the 550km from Brisbane to touch base on work, life and everything in between.
“It’s been a pleasure to visit a small country town like Baralaba and spend time with Paul,” Mr Welsh said.
“He’s a bloke that has done so much in his life; he is truly inspirational to sit down and have a chat with.
“His dedication and loyalty to his family, community and RACQ is unsurpassed. There just aren’t many people in the world like Paul Bienek.”
It’s humbling. Of all the things I’ve done in my life, this is the pinnacle of it all,
