community
Restoring a queen of the silver screen
A campaign to restore the bus at the centre of the iconic Australian film, The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, has been launched by the History Trust of South Australia.
With a sequel to the 1990s movie in the works, the bus – a 1974 Hino Freighter – will be restored for the film and then placed on display at the National Motor Museum at Birdwood.
With the whereabouts of the bus unknown since it featured in the movie, it was thought to be lost. However, in 2019 it was discovered in a paddock of a property in Ewingar – a town in New South Wales.
History Trust of South Australia CEO Greg Mackie says Priscilla still has an important story to tell Australians and international visitors.
“Even in the 21st century The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert speaks to audiences of the virtues of respect and diversity and the great Aussie tendency for irreverence,” Greg says.
“The History Trust of South Australia intends to restore Priscilla to roadworthy condition for special outings, and to authentically render its interior the glamorous over-the-top-camp of the 1994 movie. And we want to give Priscilla the kind of home at the National Motor Museum Australia that will evoke rich and happy memories for visitors.”
At the time of writing, more than $196,000 had been raised towards the $2 million target. This will help create an immersive, world-class exhibition at the National Motor Museum and bring LGBTQIA+ stories into the museum.
For more information or to donate, visit history.sa.gov.au/priscilla
President's message
It’s already been a year since I took over as President and Chairman of the RAA Board and I’m so pleased by our strong 2023–24 financial result. This wouldn’t have been possible without the hard work of the Executive and team, and I want to thank them for their efforts.
Having these positive gains is so important because it means we can deliver more for our members.
You are at the heart of everything we do, and having the chance to talk to you directly about the issues that matter most is one of the best parts of my job.
At our Gold 50 events in city and regional areas, members talk to us about everything from local roads, EVs, our RAA heritage and future direction. We’re also connecting across a range of forums, including the AGM, to discuss proposed governance changes.
Please know that as a Board, members are at the centre of every decision we make. We want to know what matters to you and encourage you to take part so you can have a say in your organisation.
Together, we’re honoured to lead and govern your incredible organisation. Your Board helps set the strategic direction and actively manages risk in an everchanging and volatile world, to ensure RAA is still serving members many years from now.
I’ve had a lot of positive feedback from members on a range of topics, from RAA’s new venture into energy, to rave reviews of assistance rendered by our iconic patrols. I’ve also spoken with members about concerns or questions they have. All feedback we receive as a Board is valuable and we want to hear more from you.
It’s my aim to connect with as many members as possible during my time as President and Chair. If there’s anything you’d like to bring to the Board’s attention, please get in touch via companysecretary@raa.com.au – I’d love to hear from you.
Kathy Gramp
RAA President and Chairman of the Board
RAA giving back
RAA has announced it will partner with Operation Flinders Foundation, Catherine House, Hutt Street Centre and Animal Welfare League for the next three years as part of its Giving Back program.
RAA staff will raise funds for the four charities and there’ll also be volunteer opportunities.
RAA General Manager of Community and Corporate Affairs Emily Perry says it’s exciting to give back and support South Australian charities.
“This is an excellent opportunity for RAA staff to give back to the community,” Emily says.
Catherine House provides crisis and long-term accommodation, and support services to women experiencing homelessness.
The Hutt Street Centre offers support services, including medical check-ups and financial counselling, to people who are experiencing or facing the prospect of homelessness.
Operation Flinders Foundation transforms the lives of young people through a range of outback programs.
The Animal Welfare League helps abandoned pets find loving homes.
For the past three years, RAA has partnered with Backpacks 4 SA Kids, Freedom Hill Sanctuary, Cancer Council SA and Trees for Life.
RAA staff hike 22km as part of the City to Summit, raising funds for Operation Flinders Foundation.
Life lessons for SA students
High school students from across the state packed the Adelaide Convention Centre in September for Street Smart High – an immersive road safety education event.
Due to high demand, Street Smart High presented by RAA, THINK Road Safety and the Lifetime Support Authority was held over three days for the first time. More than 12,000 people from about 100 schools attended the event, witnessing a simulated crash scene and hearing from people who have experienced road trauma first-hand.
New and soon-to-be drivers from years 10 to 12 were given knowledge to help keep them safe on the roads when they get behind the wheel.
RAA Senior Manager for Community Engagement Ben Haythorpe says young people, like those who attend Street Smart High, are some of our most vulnerable road users.
“The stats show that young, less-experienced road users are overrepresented in serious crashes,” Ben says. “This makes road education so important for teenagers.”
Want to know more about Street Smart High? Visit raa.com.au/street-smart-high
People aged 16 to 24 killed on SA roads between 2020–2023.
RAA annual report goes digital
RAA’s digital 2023–24 annual report is now available online.
The report includes reflections from RAA Chief Executive Officer Nick Reade and RAA President and Chairman of the Board Kathy Gramp, in a year that saw RAA respond strongly to a challenging 2022–23 period.
It also features highlights from key areas of the business – including energy, motor, home and travel – and overviews of RAA’s social impact, community and advocacy work.
You can view the annual report online at raa.com.au/annualreport, with a copy also available for download.
IMAGES: Envato, RAA.
