community
Support for our volunteer firies
Thousands of volunteer firefighters will continue to receive support thanks to a new sponsorship agreement between RAA and the CFS Foundation.
RAA recently signed on for another three years as a major sponsor of the organisation that supports some of South Australia’s hardest working volunteers.
“The SA CFS (SA Country Fire Service) has approximately 13,500 amazing volunteers, with most based in rural and regional areas,” CFS Foundation CEO Gloria Berni says.
“It’s only with support from organisations like RAA that we can continue our work.”
Since 2001, the CFS Foundation has provided financial assistance and care to CFS volunteer firefighters and their families.
“Beyond direct support to individuals, we provide essential resources to brigades, including vital equipment, infrastructure improvements and training opportunities,” Gloria says.
“This includes the CFS Breathing Apparatus Rehabilitation Pod, which was recently updated thanks to support from RAA.”
The Pod was designed to support CFS firefighters working at complex incidents or for long durations.
“It’s a portable rehabilitation unit that carries breathing apparatus, hydration units and provides a space for CFS volunteers to bring their core temperature down.”
Gloria says the CFS Foundation also supports ongoing training for volunteers and community engagement around bushfire readiness.
“More than anything we’re trying to be proactive, not just reactive,” she says.
“Many CFS volunteers who are farmers have struggled with the drought, which has had such a massive impact on their health. They let us know mental health support was desperately needed.”
CFS Foundation funding for a CFS Wellbeing Officer means the CFS can help support volunteers impacted by the drought with mental health support programs.
The CFS Foundation is also looking to the future by inspiring its younger volunteers.
“We have so many wonderful older volunteers but it’s important we also consider the future, and we’re supporting the CFS Youth Advisory Committee through their emerging leaders program for CFS volunteers under 30,” Gloria says.
“It really is an amazing organisation, and we couldn’t do it without the incredible support of organisations like RAA.”
Visit the CFS Foundation website to find out more.
President's message
July saw us transition to a Company Limited by Guarantee and the start of our insurance partnership with Allianz – both key to the future success of the RAA you know and love.
What remains unchanged is our focus on you, our members, and the ways we show up, deliver and engage with you.
I enjoyed connecting with those of you who attended our recent Member Information Sessions. It was great to see so many members in person and online, especially at such a pivotal time in RAA’s history.
If you weren’t able to attend these sessions, we look forward to seeing you at our Annual General Meeting on 11 November, or perhaps at one of our Regional Roadshow events in spring.
Thanks also to everyone who completed our wide-ranging survey, giving us invaluable feedback on other ways we can reward our members and have a greater impact in the community.
You are the reason we exist, and maintaining our proud mutual status as a membership organisation remains our priority.
With our new, enhanced governance structure and lower risk business model, the future looks brighter than ever for your RAA. We look forward to continuing to be there for you for the next 120 plus years.
Kathy Gramp
RAA President and Chairman of the Board
Save the date for RAA's 2025 AGM
RAA’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be held in Adelaide on Tuesday, 11 November 2025, and we look forward to welcoming our members to this important event once again. Formal notice of the meeting, along with supporting information, will be shared closer to the date.
To ensure you receive timely updates and important notices, we encourage members to provide or update their email address before 1 October 2025. You can update your contact details by emailing us at membersupport@raa.com.au or calling 8202 4600.
This year’s AGM marks a milestone – it will be RAA’s first as a company limited by guarantee. While this change strengthens our governance framework, it doesn’t affect how members interact with RAA, or the products and services they receive or their participation in the AGM.
As always, we welcome member questions ahead of the meeting to help us make the most of our time together. Please send any questions to companysecretary@raa.com.au
Lace-up for a good cause
Thousands of South Australians are set to hit the streets on Sunday 21 September, for the annual City-Bay Fun Run from the CBD to Glenelg.
Runners, walkers, and wheelchair participants can take on the 3km, 6km, 12km or half-marathon 21km challenge.
After crossing the finishing line at Colley Reserve, racegoers and their supporters can soak up the fun with food, coffee and live entertainment in the buzzing race village.
Since 1973, the City-Bay Fun Run has been raising funds to support athletics across South Australia. Participants can also run for a cause by raising money for a charity close to their heart.
RAA members can save $25 on City-Bay registration until 31 August (excluding 3km event). Visit raa.com.au/city-bay for more information.
Game on with Trev
Known for his lustrous beard and abundant fur, did you know Trev is also a budding barber? RAA’s favourite bearded bee recently found himself in a sticky situation having to run a barbershop.
You can cut, colour, wash and blow dry as Trev, going from apprentice to master stylist as you successfully complete the game’s more than 40 levels.
RAA Chief Marketing Officer Michael Healy says the new Trev’s Buzz Cuts app was designed to help entertain children while waiting for an RAA Road Service Patrol.
“Many callouts involve families with young children who can get quite bored while they wait for us to get them moving again,” Michael says.
“So, we thought it would be a great idea to develop a game to keep them occupied during the short wait for our patrols or tow truck drivers.”
Young and old alike have been enjoying the free game, which is available to download from your phone’s app store. Just search Trev’s Buzz Cuts and get styling.
IMAGES: Morphett Vale CFS, City-Bay, RAA.
