Safety focus on young drivers We are all aware that driving is a potentially dangerous activity; and the benefits of learning to drive well cannot be underestimated. In response to Member feedback, we opened nine new Safer Driving Schools across Sydney to complement our nine regional schools. Each offers a detailed NRMA curriculum and professional NRMA driving instructors.

While it is our primary aim to teach teenagers the right habits and attitudes at the very start of their driving journey, we also offer experienced drivers the opportunity to brush up on their skills. We are committed to making a difference on our roads and our Safer Driving Schools aim to reduce the rate of accidents involving young people.

Our Free2Go program is providing Driver Reviver stations at locations along the Pacific Highway during ‘schoolies’ week. Our stations will include snacks and refreshments, road safety information and chill-out rest zones, and are designed to encourage young people to slow down, enjoy the journey and pull over for breaks.

As we continue to expand our range of services for Members, we will soon launch a media campaign reinforcing the fact that NRMA is about much more than just roadside assistance. One of the most exciting new services we are piloting is NRMA MotorServe.

In August, we opened a new MotorServe in Liverpool providing you with good, honest car servicing without any hidden costs.

More than 3,000 Members have now used our MotorServes at Liverpool and Seven Hills, and our Tuggeranong centre will open in November.

With winter now behind us, I would like to take this opportunity to reflect on recent events affecting our community and core roadside operations. Our most difficult period was in assisting Members across NSW and the ACT over the Queen’s Birthday long weekend, during fierce storms and severe flooding. 

We received nearly 30,000 calls for assistance over four days. NRMA Insurance received approximately 25,000 claims.

I would like to thank our dedicated staff, especially those in the hardest-hit Hunter and Central Coast regions, for their outstanding work during this time of need, and thank you - our Members - for your understanding and patience under the most trying circumstances.

I would also like to take this opportunity to acknowledge all those involved in our 2007 NRMA KDC TechnoPush. More than 850 primary and secondary school students took part.

NRMA is proud to be the main sponsor of this event and I would encourage more schools to participate next year.

Tony Stuart CEO