community
Driving change for women in need
South Australian women experiencing homelessness will be able to rebuild their confidence on the road thanks to a new partnership between RAA and Catherine House.
Catherine House is South Australia's only homelessness and recovery service for women, with many clients facing barriers when trying to get their driver's licence, which can make it harder to care for their children and secure ongoing employment.
Funded through RAA's new Community Impact Fund, Catherine House clients will receive driving lessons, vehicle inspections and car care workshops provided by RAA, and vehicle registration assistance.
The not-for-profit organisation will also receive funding for its crisis accommodation service.
RAA General Manager Community and Corporate Affairs Emily Perry says having a driver's licence is something many motorists take for granted. "Through this partnership we'll be supporting vulnerable women to regain the independence that comes with a driver's licence and help get them back on their feet," Emily says.
RAA's Community Impact Fund is committing up to $5 million per year to causes that matter to South Australians.
Find More details on RAA’s Community Impact Fund can be found at raa.com.au/community-sponsorships
Chair's message
For more than 120 years, RAA has been part of the fabric of South Australian life. In a world that feels less certain by the day, that history carries real weight and with it, a responsibility to give back to the community that has trusted us for so long.
That's the spirit behind our Community Impact Fund. In this edition of sa move, you can read about our partnerships with Catherine House, and the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) and CFS Foundation, three organisations doing extraordinary work for South Australians who need it most.
I'm especially moved by our growing partnership with Catherine House. Their work with vulnerable women, helping them rebuild their lives and literally get back on the road, is extraordinary. RAA is proud to be in the passenger seat with them.
In the regions, our partnership with the RFDS carries a different kind of weight. For many South Australians outside the metro area, the RFDS isn't just a health service – it can be the difference between life and death. The same can be said of the work of the CFS Foundation.
These partnerships aren't gestures of goodwill. They're a deliberate expression of who we are – an organisation that keeps people safe on the road and genuinely makes life better for members and the South Australian community.
Kathy Gramp
RAA Chair of the Board
Surf, sand and social connection
Keeping fit and staying connected is important at any age, no matter where you live. But it rings particularly true for older Australians in regional areas, including the Limestone Coast town of Beachport.
Thanks to RAA Regional Safety Grants, Beachport Surf Life Saving Club (SLSC) recently joined other surf lifesaving clubs from across the nation to launch the Silver Salties program for older Australians.
The grant allows Beachport SLSC to offer free memberships to new Silver Salties members to promote physical activity and social connections among members aged 55 years and over.
The RAA Regional Safety Grant has helped Beachport SLSC more than double its membership among people aged 55 and over.
Lisy Stephan of Beachport SLSC says the club was keen to roll out the Silver Salties program to the community. "We knew that many grandparents either brought their grandchildren along or came to watch occasionally. We wanted to encourage older members of our community to become involved in our club and bring generations together."
Head to raa.com.au/regional-safety-grants to find out more about RAA Regional Safety Grants.
RAA on the Move
RAA is there to keep members moving, and now the team is making moves themselves, and you're invited. Soon, you'll find RAA at new homes: RAA City on Grenfell Street and RAA West on Port Road.
At RAA West, you can access technical services like Vehicle Inspections, the RAA workshop, Drive School, and our Child Safety Centre where you can get your child restraint fitted.
If you're looking to book a holiday, pop in for a chat to RAA's friendly Travel team, or browse the new retail shop.
At RAA City, you'll find RAA's flagship retail shop, and more of the Travel team, who can help with holiday bookings. Visit the member zone where you can relax with a coffee in the lounge, or sit back with a bite to eat from the café.
Both sites will feature modern cafés – RAA City's 1903 and RAA West's Refuel – and memorabilia displays showcasing RAA's rich history.
Find RAA City at 150 Grenfell Street, Adelaide and RAA West at 599 Port Road, West Croydon.
Protecting the planet
Caring for the planet is everyone’s responsibility. That’s why millions of people around the world will come together to take action for World Environment Day on 5 June. Here are five simple ways you can do your bit.
- Reuse, buy second hand or borrow items to reduce the need to buy new.
- Be mindful of your energy consumption. Keep draughts out and rug up to reduce your reliance on heating – this allows you to keep the thermostat at a lower setting.
- Choose locally sourced, seasonal and sustainable produce when possible and plan ahead to make sure you only buy as much as you need to reduce food waste.
- Choose sustainable transport. Walk, cycle or use public transport to reduce how much you drive.
- Reduce single-use plastics by bringing your own reusable bags and containers, and choose products with minimal packaging when shopping.
This year’s World Environment Day theme is ‘Climate Action’. Visit worldenvironmentday.global for more information.
IMAGES: Beachport SLSC, Getty, RAA.
