community
Introducing RAA's biggest fan
You may have seen Trev around town, on your screen or read his letter to the editor. He’s slowly grasping the intricacies of human life. But how much do you really know about this larger-than life character?
Created by world-renowned local video effects company Rising Sun Pictures, Trev might have wings, but he’s no ordinary bee. He has a human face, flourishing beard and is six times bigger than a regular bee. Unfortunately, Trev’s size was causing problems in the hive, and when he got stuck in the entrance, the queen bee kicked him out.
Alone and without a hive, Trev desperately wanted to connect with something bigger. Leaving the hive also gave him the chance to explore South Australia and see humans in their natural habitat. Drawn to all things black and yellow, it didn’t take long for Trev to spot an RAA van and patrol helping a member in need.
Why Trev the bee? RAA Chief Marketing Officer Michael Healy says a character like Trev stands out and is distinctive in South Australia.
“We were inspired by the fact our black and yellow vans buzz around every corner of this great state and not only look like busy bees, but literally attract bees because of those same colours,” Michael says.
“With over 820,000 members, we work together as a sort of hive to solve problems and make sure we help get you, our members, the best value we possibly can.
“Most of all though, we think Trev is a loveable, entertaining and funny character that we hope will be loved by all ages – much like our RAA brand.”
President's message
RAA and the Board are continuing to take steps to modernise our organisation’s governance, to secure our future and provide better outcomes for members.
As part of that journey, we’re increasing our efforts about how we, as an organisation, contribute to reconciliation.
We are excited for the upcoming National Reconciliation Week (NRW), which runs from 27 May to 3 June and is an important part of our reconciliation action plan.
We are always grateful for Reconciliation Australia and Reconciliation SA, as well as our partners at Tjindu Foundation, for supporting us in this journey.
Tjindu Foundation creates positive, long-term change for Aboriginal children in communities across South Australia through cultural education and success in schooling that enables them to become future leaders.
Our CEO Nick Reade proudly presented Tjindu student Jordy Harvey with an RAA-sponsored scholarship at the recent Teen Parliament awards presented by The Advertiser.
You can read more in this edition about Jordy’s ideas on how to help young Aboriginal people access culturally appropriate education.
For NRW, we also have a range of activities lined up for our employees and members, including a member movie night and education opportunities for our employees at RAA.
NRW provides the opportunity to build and maintain strong, open and respectful relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities.
As an organisation, we will continue to increase our efforts as we take the next steps in our reconciliation journey.
Kathy Gramp
RAA President and Chairman of the Board
Milestone blood donation for Richard
The Australian Red Cross collects about 1.5 million blood donations every year. RAA’s very own Richard Altmann (pictured above) is just one of the people contributing, donating blood a staggering 200 times. We sat down to have a chat to him about why he donates blood regularly.
sa move: Why did you initially decide to give blood?
Richard: I lost my dear sister Annette to leukemia many years ago, and I knew my donations would be beneficial to people with cancer. Also, my wife Sandy had been donating for a few years and she encouraged me to donate. In 1990, the Red Cross used to come to where I worked and we could donate and then enjoy a beer together.
sa move: What does it mean to you make your 200th blood donation?
Richard: I’m proud to reach my 200th donation, but to be honest, I’m just happy and grateful to be healthy enough to donate. It’s a bonus that the staff at the Port Adelaide Donation Centre are so welcoming and friendly.
sa move: What’s the most rewarding part of giving blood?
Richard: Knowing where my blood or plasma has gone (through an SMS from Red Cross) and knowing it’s making a difference to other people’s lives.
sa move: What would you say to someone who is considering donating blood?
Richard: Just do it. The staff are fantastic, it doesn’t hurt, you get a quick health check-up, and the complimentary Tim Tams and chocolate milk afterwards are great.
RAA has organised a number of blood drives in the past year, including one in recognition of World AIDS Day. Kicking off at the start of last December, RAA’s LGBTQIA+ group, PRISM ran the drive. The group urged people to roll up their sleeves for those who are ineligible or unable to donate. In 2024, the RAA team has made 43 donations, resulting in 129 lives saved.
Tjindu student receives scholarship
Year 11 Tjindu student Jordy Harvey (pictured right) has received a Teen Parliament Scholarship worth $10,000.
The 16 year old is a student at Warriappendi School and Tjindu Foundation – an RAA partner.
She received the scholarship thanks to her address at Teen Parliament about linking cultural learning with preventing Aboriginal teens from turning to crime.
To do this, Jordy wants the classroom to feel more like a home for First Nations students by introducing Aboriginal art, food and language to the curriculum.
Jordy has already advocated for all students to take a week and visit the APY lands to understand different cultural perspectives.
So, what’s next? Jordy would like to become a flight attendant due to her love for travelling.
The RAA-sponsored scholarship was presented by RAA CEO Nick Reade.
Defibrillators mandatory in all SA public buildings
Defibrillators will soon be mandatory in all South Australian public buildings, including schools, libraries, sporting facilities and clubs, and community organisations.
Government buildings must have automated external defibrillators (AED) installed by the start of next year, while private buildings have until January 2026.
AEDs are portable electronic medical devices which monitor heart rhythms and deliver assisted electrical shock to counteract sudden cardiac arrest. For every minute defibrillation is delayed, the chance of a person surviving a cardiac arrest decreases by 10 per cent.
Not-for-profit organisations, including community organisations and sporting clubs, will be able to apply for grant funding to purchase AEDs. For more information, and to find out when grant applications open visit SA Health.
Visit raa.com.au/shop to purchase a defibrillator.
IMAGES: RAA, Tjindu.
