40 Years of Helping: Col’s Amazing Journey at The NRMA

The year was 1985. Unleaded petrol was just 50 cents a litre, Careless Whisper was dominating the charts, and – most importantly – Colin, or Col, was starting his journey with the NRMA. 

Fast forward 40 years, and what a ride it’s been. From earning his mechanic credentials at the NRMA’s Villawood office, hosting NRMA Radio, and working as a Trainer and Manager, to travelling to the US for work and even being named Employee of the Year – Col has done it all. Today, he’s back where it all began, out on the road, doing what he loves most: helping people. 

"The beauty of it has been that no two days are the same. Now, my job is being out on the open road, helping people every day – how good is that?" 

From Patrol Bikes to Container Ships 

One of Col’s most memorable roles was as a member of the “JamBusters” in the early 2000s, patrolling Sydney’s CBD on ex-police motorcycles, fully equipped – even with a working sink! More than once, people mistook him for a police officer before realising he was there to help, not hand out tickets. 

Then there was the time he was called to a container ship packed with imported cars, one of which had its keys locked in the boot, delaying unloading. Col zipped in and saved the day. 

Why 40 Years? The Faces Say It All 

So, what’s kept Col here for four decades? Simple – the love of helping people. 

"You turn up, and you don’t know what you’re going to get, but you know you’ll do whatever you can to help. It’s the faces when the car gets started or moving that make it so worthwhile. I get high-fives from kids, hugs from grannies, and everything in between. Sometimes people stop me in the shops to tell me I helped them – it’s pretty cool." 

40 years. Around 27,000 jobs. Thousands of grateful Members. 

Col, we can’t thank you enough for your incredible dedication. Your passion, energy, and commitment to helping others truly embody what it means to be part of the NRMA family – and our Playbook value, "There when you need help." 

Here’s to you and your amazing journey – and to many more roadside rescues to come!