We’re in our cars every day — to work, school, the shops — and most of the time, we don’t even think about getting there. Our minds switch to autopilot.
But sometimes, all it takes is a moment’s distraction or a break in routine, and that autopilot can short-circuit leading to a child or pet being left behind in the car. And when it’s hot, the temperature inside a vehicle can double in minutes, with devastating consequences.
It’s not as uncommon as you might think. Here in WA, RAC Roadside Assistance rescued 585 children and pets from locked cars this past year. And it’s not just kids and animals — some adults have had to be rescued too, after accidentally locking themselves inside their vehicle.
To shed some light on why this happens, and what’s being done to prevent it, we chatted to Professor Warren Mansell from Curtin University, and RAC Roadside Patrol Mark Dring, who’s seen these rescues firsthand.
00:00 The Reality of Leaving Kids and Pets in Cars
01:00 Why Do We Forget?
01:26 The Brain's Automation and Everyday Life
04:12 Real-Life Rescue Examples
07:23 How Quickly Cars Heat Up
10:39 Preventing Lock-Ins
25:52 How Technology and Routine can Help
32:53 What to Do if You See a Child or Pet Locked in a Car
Guests
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Website: https://rac.com.au/horizons
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HorizonsRAC
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/racwa/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/racwa/
Legal disclaimer
The views expressed in this podcast are those of the individuals involved and may not be shared by the Royal Automobile Club of WA (Inc) or its related bodies corporate (together “RAC”) or any of its or their councillors, directors or employees. This podcast is for general information and entertainment purposes only. Listeners should not rely on the content as a substitute for independent advice. References to a product should not be construed as an endorsement by RAC. RAC accepts no liability for any reliance placed on the content.
From illegal mobile phone use and unrestrained kids to spot speeding, unlicensed vehicles, even caravans pushing past the 100km limit — Western Australia’s new road safety cameras are watching it all.
Rolled out in January this year and powered by the latest AI technology, they’ve already snapped more than 275,000 drivers doing the wrong thing.
In this episode, we sit down with the WA Road Safety Commission's Acting Director of Innovation and Technology, Matthew Samson, to break down how the technology works and what trends are emerging since the rollout.
From 8 October, fines and demerit points will apply for mobile phone, seatbelt and speeding offences detected by the new safety cameras.
Any money from the fines from these new cameras will be spent on improving road safety through the Road Trauma Trust Account.
(0:00) Introduction to WA's New Road Safety Cameras
(0:47) Types of Road Safety Cameras
(1:47) Multifunction Trailers and Freeway Units
(7:08) AI Technology in Road Safety
(8:16) Still Checked by Humans
(10:57) Common Offences Detected by the Cameras
(17:41) Unusual and Dangerous Behaviour on the Road
(20:25) Public Awareness and Behaviour Changes
(22:49) Fines and Penalties
(24:27) Camera Locations and Deployment
(28:51) Regional vs. Metro Offences
(32:03) Where the Fine Money Goes
(35:22) Public Perception and Misconceptions
(39:08) Final Thoughts and Advice
Guest
Matthew Samson - WA Road Safety Commission, Acting Director of Innovation and Technology
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Website: https://rac.com.au/horizons
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HorizonsRAC
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/racwa/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/racwa/
Legal disclaimer
The views expressed in this podcast are those of the individuals involved and may not be shared by the Royal Automobile Club of WA (Inc) or its related bodies corporate (together “RAC”) or any of its or their councillors, directors or employees. This podcast is for general information and entertainment purposes only. Listeners should not rely on the content as a substitute for independent advice. References to a product should not be construed as an endorsement by RAC. RAC accepts no liability for any reliance placed on the content.
In July 2025, six people lost their lives in separate crashes in Western Australia all within a 48-hour period.
In 2024, there were 188 fatalities on WA roads, which was recorded as the worst year in nearly a decade, with 30 more deaths than in 2023.
For some years now WA has had one of the worst road fatality rates of any State. On average over the 2020 to 2024 period, three people were killed every week due to road trauma.
To help us unpack what’s been happening on WA roads, we spoke with Professor Teresa Senserrick, Director of the Western Australian Centre for Road Safety Research, and Dr Matthew (Tepi) Mclaughlin, Adjunct Research Fellow in the School of Human Sciences at the University of Western Australia.
00:00 Introduction to WA Road Fatalities
00:37 Expert Insights on Road Safety
01:20 Current Trends and Statistics
02:56 Factors Contributing to High Fatality Rates
04:04 Impact of Urban Sprawl and Car Dependency
04:45 Potential Solutions and Road Design
13:29 Behavioural Factors and Speeding
21:16 Cultural Aspects of Driving in WA
32:07 Public Health Insights
32:57 The Impact of Disinformation on Policy Support
33:21 Addressing Vulnerable Road Users
35:07 Pedestrian Safety and Infrastructure Challenges
38:31 Vehicle Choices and Road Safety
43:14 The Safe System Approach to Road Safety
49:33 The Role of Policy in Road Safety
54:23 Achieving Zero Road Deaths
01:02:40 Concluding Thoughts and Future Directions
Guests
Professor Teresa Senserrick, Director of the Western Australian Centre for Road Safety Research
Dr Matthew (Tepi) Mclaughlin - Adjunct Research Fellow, School of Human Sciences, University of Western Australia
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Find us online
Website: https://rac.com.au/horizons
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HorizonsRAC
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/racwa/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/racwa/
Legal disclaimer
The views expressed in this podcast are those of the individuals involved and may not be shared by the Royal Automobile Club of WA (Inc) or its related bodies corporate (together “RAC”) or any of its or their councillors, directors or employees. This podcast is for general information and entertainment purposes only. Listeners should not rely on the content as a substitute for independent advice. References to a product should not be construed as an endorsement by RAC. RAC accepts no liability for any reliance placed on the content.
Days before his daughter was born, surfer Greg Robbins had a freak ocean accident that saw him onboard RAC Rescue. Greg joins us to recount his story.
The RAC Rescue helicopters are sponsored by RAC, funded by the State Government and managed by the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES).
Guest: Greg Robbins – surfer from Margaret River, WA
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If you liked this episode, subscribe to RAC’s Horizons podcast and share it with your friends and family.
Find us online:
Website: https://rac.com.au/horizons
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HorizonsRAC
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/racwa/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/racwa/
Legal disclaimer
The views expressed in this podcast are those of the individuals involved and may not be shared by the Royal Automobile Club of WA (Inc) or its related bodies corporate (together “RAC”) or any of its or their councillors, directors or employees. This podcast is for general information and entertainment purposes only. Listeners should not rely on the content as a substitute for independent advice. References to a product should not be construed as an endorsement by RAC. RAC accepts no liability for any reliance placed on the content.
An average day at work on a Donnybrook property became a race against time as Graeme Fry lay trapped, alone, and severely injured after a quad bike rollover.
For 10 hours Graeme lay pinned under a 400kg quad bike as he drifted in and out of consciousness in an isolated paddock in Western Australia’s South West.
The massive weight on his legs was slowly killing him.
Many years on from his accident, Graeme is still deeply affected by what happened that day. He joins us to recount his story, and the thoughts that got him through those long hours as he waited to be found.
(0:00) A Day Like Any Other Turns Tragic
(3:03) Stranded and Struggling
(9:10) The Desperate Search Begins
(14:14) Rescue and Immediate Aftermath
(18:32) Critical Condition and Hospitalisation
(25:10) Medical Challenges and Triumphs
(28:00) Intensive Care and Recovery
(30:28) Rehabilitation Journey
(37:55) Returning Home and Adjusting
(43:54) Final Thoughts and Message
Guest: Graeme Fry - Donnybrook farmer
The RAC Rescue helicopters are funded by the State Government, managed by the Department of Fire and Emergency Services and sponsored by RAC.
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If you liked this episode, subscribe to RAC’s Horizons podcast and share it with your friends and family.
Find us online
Website: https://rac.com.au/horizons
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HorizonsRAC
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/racwa/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/racwa/
Legal disclaimer
The views expressed in this podcast are those of the individuals involved and may not be shared by the Royal Automobile Club of WA (Inc) or its related bodies corporate (together “RAC”) or any of its or their councillors, directors or employees. This podcast is for general information and entertainment purposes only. Listeners should not rely on the content as a substitute for independent advice. References to a product should not be construed as an endorsement by RAC. RAC accepts no liability for any reliance placed on the content.
How does pop culture influence the desirability of a vehicle? Does nostalgia change our perception of classic vehicles? And why do enthusiasts race classic cars despite the risk of an expensive mistake?
Classic car enthusiast Simon McGrath joins us to chat about the cultural, market and social forces behind classic car ownership, and the cars making an impact now to become potential future classics.
(0:00) Introduction to Classic Cars
(0:36) Defining a Classic Car
(1:45) The Influence of Pop Culture on Car Value
(4:42) Personal Stories and Collections
(10:27) Future Classics and Market Trends
(20:44) Instant Classics
(25:56) Classic Cars and Community Events
(29:05) The Nostalgia of Classic Cars
(30:05) The Social Aspect of Car Restoration
(31:04) Quirky Cars and Their Unique Appeal
(34:34) The Racing Scene for Classic Cars
(37:58) The Future of Car Ownership and EVs
(43:54) Collecting Future Classics
(54:12) The Impact of Chinese Car Manufacturers
(57:26) Final Thoughts and Conclusion
Guest
Simon McGrath
Perth-based classic car enthusiast
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If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to RAC’s Horizons podcast and share it with your friends and family.
Find us online
Website: https://rac.com.au/horizons
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HorizonsRAC
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/racwa/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/racwa/
Legal disclaimer
The views expressed in this podcast are those of the individuals involved and may not be shared by the Royal Automobile Club of WA (Inc) or its related bodies corporate (together “RAC”) or any of its or their councillors, directors or employees. This podcast is for general information and entertainment purposes only. Listeners should not rely on the content as a substitute for independent advice. References to a product should not be construed as an endorsement by RAC. RAC accepts no liability for any reliance placed on the content.
In this episode we talk to WA's Road Safety Commissioner, Adrian Warner, and RAC's Manager Community Programs, Des Duguid, to discuss the highs and the lows of eRideables in WA.
We cover their uptake, road rules and other restrictions (and how they’re being broken), injury rates, and the recommendations from a recent eRideables review in WA.
In December 2021, eRideable devices, such as e-skateboards, e-skates and e-unicycles, became legal to ride on some WA roads, joining Tasmania, Queensland and the ACT who at that time also allowed e-scooters on public roads.
Back in 2021, electric scooters were one of the fastest growing forms of mobility in the world, beaten only by eBikes (which are not considered ‘eRideables’ in WA).
That was more than three years ago, so where are we now in terms of uptake and how have these devices been integrated into the transport mix on WA roads and paths?
(00:00) Introduction to eRideables in WA
(00:53) Current Rules and Regulations
(02:03) Review Findings and Recommendations
(03:31) Safety Concerns and Education
(06:48) Comparing WA with Other States
(10:08) Public Perception and Usage
(14:50) Challenges and Future Considerations
(19:21) Understanding eScooter Technology
(20:40) Workshop Insights and Legislative Changes
(21:28) Public Perception and Safety Concerns
(23:50) Penalties and Legal Implications
(26:49) Injury Statistics and Risk Factors
(29:55) Future of eScooter Regulations
(37:24) Educational Initiatives and Community Engagement
(41:07) Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Guests
Adrian Warner - Western Australia’s Road Safety Commissioner
Des Duguid - RAC Manager Community Programs
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If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to RAC’s Horizons podcast and share it with your friends and family.
Find us online
Website: https://rac.com.au/horizons
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HorizonsRAC
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/racwa/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/racwa/
Legal disclaimer
The views expressed in this podcast are those of the individuals involved and may not be shared by the Royal Automobile Club of WA (Inc) or its related bodies corporate (together “RAC”) or any of its or their councillors, directors or employees. This podcast is for general information and entertainment purposes only. Listeners should not rely on the content as a substitute for independent advice. References to a product should not be construed as an endorsement by RAC. RAC accepts no liability for any reliance placed on the content.
In 2014, the Toyota Corolla wasn’t just Australia’s best-selling small car, it was the top seller out of all vehicle categories.
By 2024, it had been knocked back to 7th among Australia’s top 10 best-selling vehicles, with the six above it all being utes and SUVs. The next non-SUV or ute in the top sellers list was the Kia Cerato down at 19th.
So why are we super-sizing our cars?
This episode will delve into the increasing popularity of large cars on our roads, some of the factors that have driven this trend, and the impacts.
In this episode
(00:00) The Rise of Larger Vehicles
(00:26) Factors Driving the Large Car Trend
(01:07) The Evolution of Car Sizes
(02:51) Safety Concerns and Misconceptions
(05:10) Economic and Marketing Influences
(06:41) Practicality vs. Reality
(13:53) Environmental Impact of Larger Vehicles
(17:01) Safety Features and Their Limitations
(26:23) Impact of Larger Vehicles on Road Safety and Congestion
(27:30) Psychological Effects of Driving Larger Vehicles
(28:47) Safety Concerns with Higher Vehicles
(30:25) Motonormativity and Car-Centric Urban Environments
(32:04) Blind Spots and Risk Tolerance in Car Culture
(34:19) Challenges of Larger Vehicles in Urban Infrastructure
(37:32) Policy Solutions to Address Vehicle Supersizing
(39:20) Communicating the Risks of Larger Vehicles
(48:56) Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Guest: Paul Roberts
Deputy director of the Western Australian Centre for Road Safety Research
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If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to RAC’s Horizons podcast and share it with your friends and family.
Find us online
Website: https://rac.com.au/horizons
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HorizonsRAC
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/racwa/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/racwa/
Legal disclaimer
The views expressed in this podcast are those of the individuals involved and may not be shared by the Royal Automobile Club of WA (Inc) or its related bodies corporate (together “RAC”) or any of its or their councillors, directors or employees. This podcast is for general information and entertainment purposes only. Listeners should not rely on the content as a substitute for independent advice. References to a product should not be construed as an endorsement by RAC. RAC accepts no liability for any reliance placed on the content.
Episode overview
From horseless carriages to electric and driverless vehicles, the way we move has come a long way.
In the early 1900s, cars sparked curiosity, excitement, and plenty of scepticism.
Today, electric and driverless vehicles are doing the same. Even though electric cars have been around a lot longer than you may think.
In this episode, we sit down with Graeme Cocks, an award-winning motoring historian, author, and former CEO of the Fremantle and York Motor Museums.
We compare the public reaction when the very first cars, or “horseless carriages,” hit WA roads in the early 1900s, to the sentiment towards electric and driverless vehicles today. Plus, we get Graeme’s predictions for the future of motoring in WA.
In this episode
(0:00) Introduction: From Hooves to Highways
(0:59) The Arrival of the First Car in Perth
(3:53) Early Challenges and Innovations
(10:07) The Rise of Car Ownership
(13:18) The Evolution of Fuel and Service Stations
(14:55) The Impact of World War II on Motoring
(17:11) The First Road Services
(19:41) Technological Advancements in Cars
(22:59) The Future of Transportation in WA
(33:44) Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a car enthusiast or history buff, this episode offers an exploration of the past, present, and future of motoring in Western Australia.
Guest: Graeme Cocks
Award-winning motoring historian, author, and former CEO of the Fremantle and York Motor Museums
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If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to RAC’s Horizons podcast and share it with your friends and family.
Find us online
Website: https://rac.com.au/horizons
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HorizonsRAC
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/racwa/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/racwa/
Legal disclaimer
The views expressed in this podcast are those of the individuals involved and may not be shared by the Royal Automobile Club of WA (Inc) or its related bodies corporate (together “RAC”) or any of its or their councillors, directors or employees. This podcast is for general information and entertainment purposes only. Listeners should not rely on the content as a substitute for independent advice. References to a product should not be construed as an endorsement by RAC. RAC accepts no liability for any reliance placed on the content.
Episode Overview
In this episode, we sit down with Tim and Renée McLennan, who embarked on a ground-breaking journey around Australia in their electric vehicle (EV) while towing a caravan.
There was plenty of speculation about the inadequacies of EVs when it came to long road trips and towing before the McLennan family went on their epic road trip around Australia.
From the planning stages to the unique challenges of long road trips and towing with an EV, the McLennan's share the highs and lows of their incredible family adventure on their big lap.
Discover how they embraced sustainable travel and navigated the new charging station network while exploring Australia’s vast landscapes over a 9-month journey.
(0:00) Introduction
(0:21) Meet the McLennan family: EV Adventurers
(1:00) The Motivation Behind the EV Road Trip
(5:06) Planning the Big Lap: Challenges and Strategies
(15:19) Towing a Caravan with an EV: Modifications and Impact
(22:10) Range Anxiety and Real-World Experiences
(24:08) Overcoming Range Anxiety
(26:33) Worst Case Scenarios on the Road
(28:18) Unexpected Challenges and Solutions
(32:28) Adventures and Pleasant Surprises
(40:06) Technical Aspects and Cost Savings
(43:52) Future of EV Travel
(45:05) Final Thoughts and Advice
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If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to RAC’s Horizons podcast and share it with friends and family. Whether you’re an EV enthusiast, considering the big lap, or looking for road trip inspiration, this episode has something for everyone.
Resources
Find us online
Website: rac.com.au/horizons
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HorizonsRAC
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/racwa/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/racwa/
Legal disclaimer
The views expressed in this podcast are those of the individual involved and may not be shared by the Royal Automobile Club of WA (Inc) or its related bodies corporate(together “RAC”) or any of its or their councillors, directors or employees. This podcast is for general information and entertainment purposes only. Listeners should not rely on the content as a substitute for independent advice. References to a product should not be construed as an endorsement by RAC. RAC accepts no liability for any reliance placed on the content.
Episode Overview
In this episode, we sit down with Stephen Moir, the CEO of the Motor Trade Association of WA, to discuss a dynamic shift in the automotive landscape: the growing influx of new challenger car brands into Western Australia.
Deepal, Leapmotor, IM motors, Xpeng, Zeekr…
After decades of familiar international car brands, new names are emerging - many from China - which has become the global epicentre of car manufacturing. How will new the brands compete, and how do they stack up? How much confidence can consumers have in these young companies?
As legacy manufacturers face competition from emerging players — many of them electric and tech-driven — what does this mean for consumers and local dealerships? Stephen shares his insights on the opportunities this disruption could bring for innovation and consumer choice.
(0:00) Introduction to Emerging Car Brands
(1:42) The Rise of Japanese Car Brands in Australia
(6:18) The Impact of Korean Car Brands
(7:01) The Surge of Chinese Car Manufacturers
(12:52) Technological Innovations and Future Trends
(15:32) Challenges with EV Depreciation
(16:49) Innovative Features in New EVs
(18:52) Chinese Brands Making Waves
(25:00) The Future of Car Dealerships
(28:12) Autonomous Vehicles: The Next Frontier
(29:00) Legacy vs. New Brands: A Personal Take
(29:37) Conclusion and Final Thoughts
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If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to RAC’s Horizons podcast and share it with friends and family interested in the future of WA’s automotive industry.
Resources
Will most of our cars soon come from China?
https://rac.com.au/horizons/drive/chinese-cars-australia
Find us online
Website: rac.com.au/horizons
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HorizonsRAC
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/racwa/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/racwa/
Legal disclaimer
The views expressed in this podcast are those of the individual involved and may not be shared by the Royal Automobile Club of WA (Inc) or its related bodies corporate (together “RAC”) or any of its or their councillors, directors or employees. This podcast is for general information and entertainment purposes only. Listeners should not rely on the content as a substitute for independent advice. References to a product should not be construed as an endorsement by RAC. RAC accepts no liability for any reliance placed on the content.
Episode overview
In this episode, we delve into the evolving role of cul-de-sacs in Western Australia’s urban landscape. Are cul-de-sacs today’s urban planning black holes or the ultimate safe haven for families and neighbourly relations?
Once emblematic of suburban tranquillity and community cohesion, cul-de-sacs are now at the centre of urban planning debates. Are they outdated relics hindering connectivity, or do they still offer valuable community benefits? Join us as we explore their history, current challenges, and future prospects.
Guest expert
Cameron Leckey – President of the Planning Institute of Australia and Director at Rise Urban. Cameron provides insights into the planning philosophies behind cul-de-sac designs and discusses potential pathways for integrating them into modern urban planning strategies.
(0:00) Introduction
(0:47) History and Design of Cul-de-Sacs
(2:28) Challenges and Failures of Cul-de-Sacs
(6:44) Modern Approaches and Retrofitting
(12:13) Community and Safety in Cul-de-Sacs
(17:59) Future of Urban Planning and Cul-de-Sacs
(22:33) Reviving Traditional Street Life
(23:35) Crime Prevention Through Design
(24:32) Challenges of Retrofitting Urban Areas
(25:28) Current Urban Planning Principles
(27:13) Designing Streets for Safety
(28:10) Encouraging Community Connectivity
(29:44) Balancing Commercial and Community Needs
(34:13) The Role of Trees in Urban Planning
(35:15) Evaluating Urban Planning Success
(39:20) The Future of Cul-de-Sacs
(44:37) Ideal Street Design
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Resources
Has The Cul-de-sac Hit a Dead End? – Horizons website rac.com.au/horizons/lifestyle/dead-end-cul-de-sac
Find us online
Website: Horizons
YouTube: youtube.com/@HorizonsRAC
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/racwa/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/racwa/
Legal disclaimer
The views expressed in this podcast are those of the individuals involved and may not be shared by the Royal Automobile Club of WA (Inc) or its related bodies corporate (together “RAC”) or any of its or their councillors, directors or employees. This podcast is for general information and entertainment purposes only. Listeners should not rely on the content as a substitute for independent advice. References to a product should not be construed as an endorsement by RAC. RAC accepts no liability for any reliance placed on the content.
The Horizons by RAC podcast puts a WA-focus on a range of issues impacting how we live, work and travel around our cities and towns, from the cost of motoring to the new technologies and social trends that are shaping our future.
We talk to industry experts to delve into some of the greatest challenges facing Western Australians and see what's on the horizon.
Perth is one of the world’s most sprawling cities but with one of the lowest population densities. This is going to place immense pressure on how we get around in the future. What will our cars even look like then, and what will be fuelling them?
There’ll be stories of inspiration as well, with remarkable accounts of survival from those given a second chance by the RAC Rescue helicopters.
And we’ll speak to those who are working hard to drive positive change in WA and create safer and more connected communities across our vast state.
All this and much, much more on RAC's Horizons podcast. We hope you can join us for some interesting, informative, and at times, eye-opening discussions.
Website: Horizons
YouTube: Horizons by RAC - YouTube
Instagram: RAC WA (@racwa)
---The opinions contained in this podcast may not be shared by the Royal Automobile Club of WA (Inc) or its related bodies corporate (together “RAC”) or any of its or their councillors, directors or employees.
