From the Group CEO

Mark Mugnaioni

We’re extremely proud of our community at RACT. We’re here because we want to support you, our members, in the good and the challenging times. Although we’ve achieved much progress in the last 97 years, there’s still much more we can do to help.

With our new strategic plan, we’re committed to putting our members at the centre of every decision we make. We want to do more, to be different, and to offer extraordinary services, benefits and experiences.

As we invest behind the scenes in our people and systems, we’ll continue to find meaningful ways to support you so you can focus on what you love to do in life, rather than what you have to do.

This is an exciting chapter for our organisation. And as we grow stronger, we’ll help our members and the Tasmanian community to do the same.

Advocacy remains a key part of our role in the community. We’ve welcomed a number of positive steps forward recently, one of which was the State Government implementing real-time fuel price reporting in Tasmania. Via a website and smartphone app, motorists can now find the cheapest and most up-to-date fuel prices in their area. Fuel retailers are required to update changes to their prices in real time, keeping retailers accountable and ensuring Tasmanians can always find the best deal.

For years we’ve been calling for solutions to Hobart’s congestion. One of the major projects we’ve advocated for is a ferry service on the River Derwent, which was outlined in our Greater Hobart Mobility Vision. The State Government’s recent call for ferry operators to register their expressions of interest is a significant step towards sustainable, safe and efficient ways of moving around our capital city. We’re looking forward to working with the government to ensure any type of ferry service is integrated into Hobart’s overall transport network to ensure the best possible chance of success.

Future mobility in Greater Launceston is another priority for us and our members. Since the release of the Greater Launceston Transport Vision and Work Plan by six Greater Launceston councils and the State Government, we’ve seen constructive feedback and ideas from our members about how they want to move around Launceston. We recently met with a panel of experts to formulate our own response to the Transport Vision and Work Plan. This is a crucial step in making Launceston one of the most liveable cities in the world.

Tasmanian families continue to feel the financial impacts of COVID-19. We understand that every saving counts in difficult times like these, which is why finding ways to help is important to us.

Through our Better Together campaign, between June and September we offered free 12-month Lifestyle memberships to all Tasmanians, giving them access to our Royal Rewards program, which includes offers and discounts at over 200 businesses.

Since then we’ve welcomed over 2100 new members to the RACT family. Additionally, local businesses have the opportunity to partner with us for free, passing on savings to our members and being part of a community of 200,000- plus RACT members.

It has been fantastic to see the community spirit through this campaign. Locals supporting locals is what it’s all about in times like these.

If you’re looking for ways to stretch your dollar further, I encourage you to visit our website. Whether it’s on the road, at home, or out and about, there’s a wide range of discounts and offers exclusive to our members. Visit ract.com.au/member-rewards.

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT HOW WE’LL BE SUPPORTING OUR MEMBERS INTO THE FUTURE, VISIT RACT.COM.AU/ABOUT-US

MCMF INVESTMENT RATES

Jenny Bailey Bryce Harding Jessica Brown Stephen Cox Bianca Harper Jamie Dart

NET RETURN ON INVESTMENT NET RETURN ON INVESTMENT

CURRENT PERFORMANCE: 2.85%p.a*

LAST QUARTER PERFORMANCE: 3.35%p.a*

LAST YEAR PERFORMANCE: 3.47%p.a*

Returns are net of fees and are likely to change in line with changes in market interest rates. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. There is a risk that an investment in the fund will achieve lower than expected returns. An investment in the fund is an equity investment in a managed investment scheme. It is not a bank deposit. An investor faces a higher risk of losing some or all their investment than is the case with a bank deposit. This information does not take into account the investment objectives, financial situation or particular needs of any investor. Before making any investment decision, investors should consider taking professional advice.

(03) 6235 9311

mcmf.com.au

Head Office 10 Victoria Street Hobart TAS 7000

DRIVE IN THE MOMENT

We’ve recently launched a new online resource to help Tasmanian drivers overcome a major road safety challenge – the use of smartphones while driving.

Based on findings from research commissioned by the Australian Automobile Association (AAA), Drive in the Moment helps road-users to better understand the risk of using mobile devices while driving and to develop effective strategies to keep their hands on the wheel and minds on the road.

The study behind Drive in the Moment is one of the first to look at the different ways drivers are using phones when driving. From taking a call and checking notifications, to using a GPS Programs (LDMPs) across Tasmania are back on the road.

LDMPs provide practical on-road experience to disadvantaged learner drivers, particularly young people, to help them gain their provisional driver’s licence.

Programs were suspended during COVID-19 in order to keep both learner and supervising drivers safe.

‘The COVID-19 pandemic has app, changing a song, or watching a video, the list goes on.

The AAA research shows that too many people still think it’s socially acceptable to use their phone while driving. We’re trying to change that mindset with this resource. Our new evidence-based approach helps drivers change their behaviour, by having a plan to change their thinking the next time they are tempted to use their smartphone behind the wheel.

The good news is the research has shown that people are trying to reduce their use. We hope this new approach is one way that can help those who want to change their behaviour.

Drive in the Moment is free and available at

AAA research shows that of those who admitted to using their phones while driving:

93% of younger drivers and 61% of younger drivers believe 46% of younger drivers and 28% of 79% of experienced drivers turning the phone off is experienced drivers acknowledge have tried to reduce their effective for reducing use, using their phones in handheld in-vehicle smartphone use. but only 5% use that strategy. mode in a typical week.

LEARNER DRIVERS NEED YOUR HELP

Learner Driver Mentor

ract.driveinthemoment.com.au. been stressful for young people in particular,’ said Garry O’Byrne from Driver Mentoring Tasmania.

‘Loneliness and isolation are common. Just because people are a click away over the internet doesn’t mean they feel connected.’

Fourteen community-based organisations and two local councils coordinate LDMPs across Tasmania.

‘LDMPs are about providing opportunities. A driver’s licence can enable young people to reconnect with education and training and to seek jobs they may have never thought possible,’ Garry said.

‘The programs help to strengthen our sense of community by connecting with and supporting each other.’

Volunteering 1-2 hours per week to supervise a disadvantaged learner driver can help to connect you with the community around you.

For more information about LDMPs or to find out how you can become a volunteer mentor, visit ldmp.com.au.

A HELPING HAND

Glenorchy’s Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) Kalang has been an important part of the community for over 20 years. Like many not-for-profit organisations, RDA Kalang has been struggling to stay afloat due to the impacts of COVID-19.

We were so happy to lend a helping hand with a grant through the RACT Insurance COVID-19 Community Support Fund.

The small team of dedicated volunteers and range of horses and ponies at RDA Kalang cater for both adults and children. With a focus on the social, psychological and physical benefits of working with horses, the riding programs aim to build new skills in exciting, challenging and motivational ways.

The horses and ponies are vital to these programs, but their maintenance is an expensive process. During the pandemic, RDA Kalang closed and all fundraising activity stopped, meaning RDA Kalang was unable to raise these much-needed funds. The grant from RACT Insurance went to the ongoing care and maintenance of the horses and ponies during this time.

Connor Munnings provided by the Glenorchy Gazette

RACT Insurance CEO Trent Sayers and RDA State Coaching Coordinator Claudia Nevah.

Local community groups like RDA Kalang make a big difference to life in Tasmania and play an important role in rebuilding and bringing our communities back together in the aftermath of the pandemic.

Through the two rounds of the COVID-19 Community Support Fund, RACT Insurance has shared a total of $200,000 across 85 local organisations to help them get back on their feet.

TO SEE THE FULL LIST OF GRANT RECIPIENTS VISIT

RACT.COM.AU/INSURANCE-COMMUNITY-SUPPORT-FUND

tasmanian symphony orchestra

October 30-December 4

Livestreamed from Federation Concert Hall Friday Nights at 7.00pm | $22.50 per concert

Musicians of the TSO in a specially curated digital only series

watch.tso.com.au