Colin Dennison

Meet Colin Dennison, OAM, our valued and devoted member since 1958, whose journey with us encapsulates decades of trust, community, and unwavering support. In our conversation with Colin, we took a nostalgic ride through his remarkable experiences with us, highlighting the enduring connection between our organisation and its valued members.

"I remember the day I got my license, I was walking on cloud nine," Colin fondly recalls, marking the beginning of his lifelong connection to the open road.

Colin's automotive journey started with a brief affair with a 1951 Ford Prefect. "I bought it in 1957, but every time you hit second gear, it kept wanting to go down into top gear! So, I only had it three months before I bought my Morris Minor."

Recognising the unpredictability of life on the road, Colin wasted no time in becoming an RACT member. "Wages back then were only about £4.10, but as soon as I saved up enough money, I joined." This decision proved invaluable when his Morris Minor encountered a breakdown in Bellerive.

"I couldn’t move it, so I called RACT. The patrolman who arrived was the same man who taught me to drive. He diagnosed the problem straight away and towed me back to Glenorchy in his Morris Oxford.”

This wouldn’t be his last encounter with RACT’s roadside patrol service, with Colin's car battery having a few moments of failure over the years. "It doesn't matter what car you're driving, they always seem to have just what you need. You buy the battery, they drop it in, and away you go." For Colin, this assurance is priceless.

Reminiscing on his childhood, Colin recalls a time when Hobart had fewer vehicles, and he knew every corner of the city. There was a charm to all the old buildings, and simple joys like strolling to town for the Saturday pictures. "Traffic is so heavy now. I remember when the Brooker was first built, there wasn't much traffic at all."

Colin's drives have held special moments, particularly those with his father to the north west. "Dad came from Stanley, so I used to drive him up there every three or four months in the Morris."

Colin's driving journey spanned various roles, from driving taxis to working shifts for Armaguard. "Driving an armoured vehicle is not easy! I remember having to back into the Reserve Bank with only two inches to spare on either side of the mirrors, and a turntable to spin you around at the bottom to come back out."

For Colin, RACT represented more than a helping hand on the side of the road, it symbolised a community and strong bonds. "My fondest memories were playing snooker for RACT down at the social club. Many of us became close friends," he reflects.

Colin's journey took a significant turn when his late-wife fell ill, necessitating a trip to Melbourne for treatment. "I didn't know what to do, I hadn't booked an airfare in over 15 years! At my age, you get out of touch with how things work, but RACT took care of everything, from the flights to the accommodation… They even arranged a wheelchair for my wife at the airport."

After six decades of membership, Colin can't imagine a Tasmania without RACT. "If they weren't here, it would be something I'd rather not imagine. There's nothing else that can replace what they offer, and they've been very good to me over the years."

Colin also underscores our vital role in advocating for road safety. "The Government has got to listen to RACT and what they've got to say because their business is looking after the motoring public. That's what they've always been about."

In addition to his longstanding connection with us, Colin is a passionate historian. His fascination with Tasmania's rich heritage dates back to when he was just nine years old. In his latest book, 'More Yesterday's Hobart Today,' he chronicles the evolving streetscapes of Hobart from as early as 1840 to the present day.