Ken Dobie
“My first day with the RACT was my day off, but I got called in because it absolutely bucketed down - that was my introduction to road service and for 38 years that’s what it was all about.”
Ken Dobie wasn't just your average patrol officer. He was a beacon of assurance and a symbol of service on the road. His mission was simple - ensuring every member was in the safest car possible, even if it meant going the extra mile.
Ken's journey with RACT began in 1973, donning the patrol uniform and facing a gamut of mechanical faults on the roadside. Be it flat batteries, defective fuel injectors, or even the occasional flat tyre, Ken was always ready to tackle the issue. His sense of humour shone through in every situation, even when dealing with the perpetual problem of spiders nesting under car dashboards.
"People will just abandon their cars in the middle of the road!" he laughs.
The petrol in Ken's veins was fueled by a love for automobiles. Having worked at local dealerships, performing pre-sale vehicle checks and dealing with "the odd jobs" due to his army experience, Ken had a wealth of knowledge about various car types. "If an army vehicle came in, 'Muggins' here would get the job," he says, pointing to himself with a wry smile. This wide-ranging experience was instrumental in landing him the job with RACT.
Over his 38 year patrol career, he remembers his time on the road fondly, in particular the longer trips he’d get sent on. One particular trip he remembers driving out to Strathgordon, to find a young man sitting in the gutter beside his car unable to get his wheel off. Ken could have changed that wheel in five minutes flat, but instead, even after a four hour drive, Ken took the time to show the young man step by step how to change the wheel.
Another unforgettable moment for Ken was a Christmas day rescue. A distress call led him to a stranded young lady on the Brooker Highway. When the car refused to start, Ken didn't hesitate to drive her all the way to Devonport to meet her father, ensuring she made it home for Christmas with her presents.
Over the years, the job has evolved – high-vis reflective uniforms replaced old gear and state-of-the-art custom yellow vans became the patrol's chariot. But throughout these changes, the heart of the service, as epitomised by Ken, remained the same - going above and beyond to help those in need. As we celebrate RACT's 100 years, we pay tribute to people like Ken Dobie who have shaped our journey and have driven our commitment to safety and service.
Over time the job has changed and improved to protect patrols on the road, from high-vis reflective uniforms to state-of-the-art custom yellow vans. In all this time though the essence of the service has remained the same, to do as Ken did and go above and beyond to help those in need.