Our history: 100 years of the NRMA

From horse and cart to automated vehicles, join us as we reflect on 100 years of transportation evolution and look forward to a bright future of mobility.

Collage of historical images of NRMA roadside assistance and the first NRMA patrols

From helping Australians transition from horse and cart to automobiles and navigating the challenges that have come with the changes in transportation, to entering into a new future of mobility – the NRMA has always championed the needs of motorists and kept people moving.

1920s: The beginning

1920

NSW branch of the National Roads Association is created to improve the State’s main roads, chaired by racing car driver Boyd Edkins.

historic black and white image of nrma road patrol assisting a broken-down car circa 1920

Earliest known image of NRMA road service, circa 1920

1923

National Roads Association plans to extend its services to “cover everything necessary for the advancement and protection of motorists" and changes its name to NRMA, signalling discovery of the fundamental goal to keep people moving.

1924

NRMA continues to lobby parliament about laws and issues affecting motorists.

1929

By the end of the decade NRMA has successfully helped to introduce road limits. It is also credited with the improvement of road signs throughout NSW.

1930s: Depression Years

1931

NRMA road safety initiative responsible for instigating a school safety program.

historic black and white image of school boys who participated in the nrma school safety program circa 1931

School safety program

1932

In 1932, the NRMA led the transport section in the opening procession of the Sydney Harbour Bridge – and immediately began lobbying to ban horse-drawn vehicles because they were holding up traffic.

historic black and white image of nrma patrols in the opening procession for Sydney Harbour Bridge 1932

NRMA at opening procession of Sydney Harbour Bridge

1933

NRMA Road service becomes available 24 hours a day.

1934

NRMA offers first-aid courses, lectures on how to drive well and safely, and continues support of school safety patrols.

1939

Women’s Auxiliary Transport Corps founded. Women trained to maintain and drive heavy vehicles to help war effort.

historic black and white image of a member of the women's auxiliary transport corps with her car 1939

Member of Women's Auxiliary Transport Corps

1940s: War years

1940-1945

Road patrol considers the use of bicycles in CBD to save on petrol.

black and white image of two nrma road patrol employees using bicycles in the CBD to save on petrol during 1940s rationing

Road patrol bicycles in Sydney CBD

1946

Road toll increases by one-third; NRMA starts a new road safety campaign to stem the increase.

1950s: Post-war years

1950

Road death toll rises. NRMA works tirelessly to improve road conditions for the remainder of the decade.

1952

NRMA arranges for a large direction sign to be erected at the intersection of Parramatta Road and City Road, Broadway, to help deal with traffic congestion.

historic black and white image of traffic direction sign on Parramatta road intersection 1952

Traffic direction sign erected on Parramatta Road intersection

1959

Fifty school crossings equipped with traffic lights as a result of an NRMA campaign.

historic black and white picture of children using a school crossing equipped with a traffic light

School crossing equipped with traffic light

1960s: Boom years

1965

NRMA pushes to introduce practical driving courses in the secondary school curriculum after the highest death toll is recorded on NSW roads.

1966

After eight years of campaigning, NRMA finally sees speed zones introduced on State highways.

1970s: Growth continues

1971

Seatbelts become compulsory to wear in 1971 after NRMA supported the mandatory installation of approved seatbelts in 1967.

1978

NRMA launches campaign to “alert motorists to the urgent need for Australia to conserve its crude oil resources.”

1980s: Safer roads

1986

NRMA wins the Federation Internationale de L'Automobile award for road safety.

George James NRMA chief executive in 1986 with the FIA road safety challenge trophy

NRMA wins road safety award

1990s: Cleaner environment

1990

Sponsorship of NRMA CareFlight begins.

1993

NRMA persuades NSW Government to reintroduce emission testing for new cars.

1995

NRMA launches Clean Air 2000 Campaign.

View NRMA clean air campaign poster

1997

NRMA supports trials of a 50km/h speed limit in residential areas.

1998

NRMA starts young driver education program.

2000s: A new century

2001

NRMA KidSafe signs shown to have helped reduce the number of Road Service rescues of children accidentally locked in vehicles.

2003

NRMA assists State Government in development of Clean Car benchmarks.

2005

RoadZone, an interactive safety exhibition for 9-14 year olds (initially launched in 1999) is revitalised and relaunched.

school children using the NRMA RoadZone interactive safety exhibition

Schoolchildren at RoadZone

2006

NRMA launches Free2go Membership program offering free roadside assistance to 17 to 18 year old drivers.

2008

NRMA announces 100 percent ownership of Thrifty Australia.

2010-2020: From distress to access

2014

NRMA establishes partnership with Outback Links, committing to ongoing help for farmers in drought-stricken parts of Australia.

2016

NRMA launches Fuel Check within the My NRMA app, providing motorists with real time information on the cheapest petrol in NSW.
NRMA announces first Reconciliation Plan (RAP) committing to make a practical contribution towards creating positive change for Australia’s First Nations Peoples.

Artist Riki Salam's piece for the NRMA's RAP: Keep Country Moving.

2017

NRMA proposes legislative change to allow the trialling of autonomous vehicles in NSW and subsequently joins the first autonomous shuttle trial in the state.
NRMA launches the Indigenous Learner Driver Mentor Program in partnership with Australian Red Cross.
NRMA announces build of Australia's largest electric vehicle fast-charging network, suitable for a range of electric cars and free for all EV drivers.
NRMA increases portfolio of holiday parks to 31, acquiring Australia Tourist Park Management (ATPM).
NRMA invests and takes ownership of Manly Fast Ferry, in a bid to broaden transport offerings for Members.

Autonomous shuttle trial, NSW

2018

NRMA launches NRMA Blue, a new Membership option for those looking to save through everyday discounts, while bolstering the selection of benefits for current Members with roadside assistance.
NRMA acquires Fantasea Cruising, operators of the Palm Beach to Patonga, Ettalong and Wagstaffe ferry service.
NRMA add a new vessel to My Fast Ferry fleet, providing transport to an additional 400 passengers at a time between Manly and Circular Quay.
NRMA publishes the 'Blue Highways' report, outlining the potential for fast ferries to play a bigger role as a heavy lifter in Sydney's transport system.

my Fast Ferry with Sydney CBD in the background

My Fast Ferry vessel

2019

NRMA secures more than $1b in funding for local roads following the 'Rate your Road' campaign, that saw 23,000 Members nominate roads requiring improvements.