Celebrating 100 years of roadside assistance

Helping Queenslanders get back on the road since 1925

For a century, RACQ Roadside Assistance has been there for Queenslanders

It was 1925 when the Club appointed its first two mechanics, George Clark and Eddie Henderson, to patrol Brisbane on motorcycles, helping motorists in need of assistance.

Over the decades, RACQ evolved to meet growing demand, expanding its reach to every corner of Queensland while adapting its service to better suit the needs of members.

Today, we continue this important role for our 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.

As we mark a century of service, we thank our members for being part of our journey. With the same dedication and commitment, we look forward to the road ahead – ready to serve you for the next 100 years.

From motorcycles to modern patrols, see how our fleet has evolved to deliver the “yellow truck feeling” for motorists – the relief of knowing help has arrived and you're in safe hands.

RACQ Roadside Assistance over the years

Since 1925, we’ve witnessed the evolution of transport from horse and cart, to motor vehicles, and to e-mobility. Yet, through it all, RACQ has never stopped serving Queenslanders in their times of need, no matter where they are or when they need us.

26 March 1925 – RACQ launched its roadside assistance service.

The Club appointed two mechanics, George Clark and Eddie Henderson, to patrol Brisbane on motorcycles, helping motorists in need.

The service quickly gained popularity, so much so that by September, a third patrol officer was added.

By November, support was limited to RACQ members, and five more officers joined the team the following year.

In late 1927, the service expanded beyond Brisbane after the Toowoomba branch suggested a statewide, 24-hour roadside assistance program. The idea was approved, and by 1929, RACQ had 180 garages across Queensland providing assistance to members.
1930s

In 1930, RACQ took a major step buying its first motorcycles and sidecars, moving away from the earlier practice of patrol officers using their own motorcycles.

The fleet continued to grow throughout the 1930s, with one of these early motorcycles, a 1937 AJS, now part of RACQ's historic vehicle collection.

As demand for roadside assistance grew, RACQ extended its service hours. By 1932, the service was available from 8:30am to 11:30pm.

In 1935, the first fleet car, a Chevrolet roadster, was introduced, though motorcycles and sidecars remained the main model of patrol vehicle for some time.
1940s

World War II brought its challenges, including a shortage of mechanics and fuel rationing.

Despite fewer vehicles on the road, demand for roadside assistance remained high due to poor maintenance and a shortage of tyres and parts.

To adapt, RACQ began accepting receipts from unlisted repairers in 1944 when members couldn’t access approved garages.

Petrol rationing saw several motorcycle patrols converted to run on charcoal gas. After the war, the roadside service continued to grow.

By 1946, uniformed patrols were introduced in Toowoomba and Rockhampton, and by 1947, they expanded to Ipswich and Townsville.

During the late 1940s, RACQ started replacing motorcycles with ex-war Jeeps, which they used into the 1950s.
1950s

In 1955, a big leap forward was made with communication when two-way radios were installed in patrol vehicles, allowing officers to communicate directly with despatchers.

By this point, RACQ’s roadside assistance had expanded across Queensland, including in Cairns, Mackay, Bundaberg, Maryborough, Nambour, the Gold Coast, and Warwick.

From a membership base of 18,000 in 1945, the Club grew to 100,000 members by 1957.
1960s-1970s

The 1960s and 1970s marked a period of significant technological advancements and service expansions for RACQ. In 1965, the organisation commissioned its first computer and by 1975, RACQ introduced a 24-hour telephone road information service. These innovations paved the way for enhanced member services and set the foundation for future digital advancements.
1980s

Roadside service took another major leap forward in efficiency in 1987 when a computer-aided despatch system was introduced. This innovation streamlined patrol despatching, enhanced communication, and ultimately provided members with a quicker and more reliable service.
1990s

Throughout the 1990s, there was a focus on creating new services and products.

In 1995, Ultra Care, a premium roadside assistance product, was introduced, as well as the Show Your Card and Save member benefits program. In 1995, RACQ membership surpassed one million, more than one quarter of Queensland’s total population.

The next evolution occurred in 1998 when a 24-hour call centre was opened at Eight Mile Plains.
2000s-2010s

In 2009, RACQ expanded its roadside assistance offerings with the introduction of Roadside Extra and Ultimate memberships, providing members with enhanced benefits and greater peace of mind on the road.

In 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.

Continuing its commitment to road safety, RACQ began advocating in 2017 for legislation requiring motorists to slow down and move over when passing roadside incidents. This critical safety measure, designed to protect roadside workers and motorists, was officially adopted by the Queensland Government in September 2022 with the implementation of the MoSlow Law.
2020s

In 2023, RACQ introduced an updated suite of roadside assistance products, catering for everything from e-scooters and mobility devices to large SUVs and caravans. This was hailed as the biggest development in roadside assistance since George Clark and Eddie Henderson first started patrolling Brisbane’s dusty streets in 1925.

In 2024, RACQ patrols were among the first apprentices to join TAFE Queensland’s inaugural EV skills program, equipping them to meet the demands of an increasingly electrified transport industry.
2025

Today, RACQ Roadside Assistance has more than 1.2 million members with a fleet of over 750 roadside patrols, external service providers and tow trucks operating across the State. As we look to the future, the legacy of RACQ’s early pioneers continues to drive the evolution of roadside assistance, ensuring that no matter how the world of motoring changes, Queenslanders will always have a trusted partner on the road.