What began as a normal day on the water in Western Australia’s Geographe Bay, quickly became a fight for survival.In this episode, 13-year-old Austin Appelbee relives the terrifying moment he, his mum Joanne and his siblings (aged 12 and 8) became lost at sea - and his gruelling four-hour swim that followed to save his family.

Joanne shares the unimaginable choice no parent should ever have to make, and the overwhelming fear of not knowing if help would arrive in time.

Critical care paramedic Josh Lyons, who was onboard the RAC rescue helicopter, takes us inside the high-stakes search mission to find them against the odds.

This episode is also the first time Austin, Joanne, and Josh have come together since that life-changing day.Host: Myke BartlettGuests: Joanne and Austin Appelbee (mother and son) and Josh Lyons (critical care paramedic)

The RAC Rescue helicopters are funded by the State Government, managed by the  Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) and sponsored by RAC.Chapters:(0:00) The rescue at sea(1:45) Introducing Austin, Joanne & Josh(2:15) A last paddle before heading home from holiday(5:51) How it all went wrong(11:00) Josh on how fast ocean situations escalate (16:45) Swept further out to sea(19:48) The decision(24:27) Austin sets off (33:30) Knocked off and trapped under the kayak(35:03) The swim(44:45) Joanne keeping the younger kids calm through the night at sea(48:45) Austin reaches the shore (53:51) The triple zero call and the information that guided the rescue(1:06:30) The rescue(1:10:00) Reunited(1:14:30) Called a hero (1:20:24) Lessons in ocean safety, life jackets & human resilience + wrap

Subscribe and share:  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: ⁠ / @horizonsrac⁠ 

Instagram:   www.instagram.com/racwa  

Facebook:   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.

Thinking about hitting the road in a caravan but not sure where to start - or what you actually need?

In this episode, Myke Bartlett chats with Mike Sandilands (Driver Risk Management & Caravan expert to Horizons by RAC YouTube) to break it all down.

From trying before you buy, to choosing the right vehicle and finding a setup that suits your lifestyle and budget. They also unpack the realities with costs, storage, maintenance and the common mistakes that can catch first-timers out!

Whether you’re just starting out or planning your next upgrade, this is your guide to getting on the road with confidence.

Chapters:

(0:00) Caravan freedom, common mistakes & what to get right from the start

(1:45) Introducing Mike Sandilands: the man to talk to about a van

(2:15) Why caravan life appeals to so many Australians

(3:15) Mike's own journey

(4:15) The post-COVID caravan boom and why parks now need to be booked well ahead

(5:45) Mike's background

(6:45) Step one for beginners: hire before you buy

(9:15) What to focus on when trialling a setup. Comfort, space & family needs

(12:15) How your current vehicle shapes your caravan options

(13:30) The biggest mistake you can make

(14:45) Petrol vs diesel vs EV

(21:15) Choosing the right caravan for your lifestyle

(23:15) On-grid vs off-grid: what's the actual difference?

(27:30) What does a full caravan setup actually cost?

(31:00) Storage: council rules, costs & creative solutions

(36:45) Final advice for those sitting on the fence

(39:15) Why WA is perfect caravan country

Guest: Mike Sandilands https://www.driverrisk.com.au/

Training courses here: Driver Risk Management | Advanced Driver Training & Safety

https://www.driverrisk.com.au/training/

Catch up on your Caravan 'How To': https://www.youtube.com/@UCVqC3suMevCzn-N3VUG1U2w

(95) Caravan How-Tos - YouTube Subscribe and share:  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: ⁠ / @horizonsrac⁠ 

Instagram:   www.instagram.com/racwa  

Facebook:   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.

After a life-changing diagnosis, Britt and Wade Williams knew something had to change. So, they sold everything, packed up their lives with their two young boys—Nixon and Thomas—and set off to travel Australia indefinitely in their caravan.

Join Myke Bartlett as they discuss navigating life on the road—working remotely, homeschooling, budgeting, and learning the realities of full-time family van life.

This is the real journey: the highs, the lows, the lessons, and everything in between. For them, it isn’t just about travel—it’s about slowing down, staying connected, and making the most of the life they could have lost.

Chapters:

(00:00) Introduction to the podcast 

(04:45) Wade's brain tumour diagnosis 

(07:30) Decision to sell up and hit the road 

(10:00) The Facebook photo moment 

(12:15) Pre-departure fears 

(15:30) 5-month planning sprint 

(16:15) The #1 travel tip 

(19:45) Funding the trip 

(23:45) What a lap actually costs 

(28:30) Essential gear & first aid 

(31:45) Day in the life. Homeschooling & remote work 

(36:15) Adapting to caravan life 

(46:30) Impact on the relationship 

(54:45) Toughest days on the road 

(1:00:45) Favourite destinations 

(1:03:30) Shifting values 

(1:07:00) Advice & closing reflections 

Follow their journey: https://www.instagram.com/wandering.with.the.willys/

At just 17, Rob Pike’s life changed forever in a horrific car accident that claimed the lives of 3 of his friends and left him with catastrophic life-altering injuries.

From tragedy, Rob has now become a powerful voice for road safety, sharing his story to educate and inspire young drivers and audiences everywhere.

On this episode, he talks with Mandy Walsh about the consequences of split-second decisions and how he turned unimaginable loss into a mission to save lives.

Rob's story is raw, real, and unforgettable.

Chapters:(0:00) Introduction to the podcast (2:55) The day of the accident (9:58) What it felt like during the rescue (16:13) Waking from a coma (18:58) Realising the extent of the life changing injuries (23:28) Navigating survivor's guilt and mental recovery (27:28) Finding healing and purpose in wheelchair basketball (30:57) Speaking at RAC’s B Street Smart event (34:28) Bringing road safety education to regional WA (36:43) A message to young drivers on making the right choice (39:43) A proud father moment and the future of advocacy

Subscribe and share: 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

Instagram:   www.instagram.com/racwa  

Facebook:   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 2025, RAC proposed a 20-year general insurance partnership with IAG, Australia’s largest general insurance company. The partnership was proposed to keep RAC insurance sustainable, competitive and focused on members for the long haul. So, what led to this decision? What does it mean for members? And what can we expect over coming months? Ruth Callaghan sits down with RAC Group CEO Rob Slocombe to talk about the future of RAC insurance.Guest: Rob Slocombe RAC Group CEOChapters:(0:00) RAC Brand Promise(00:30) Why Partner With IAG(04:32) Scale and Tech Benefits(05:31) Member Experience Changes(06:20) ACCC Decision and Next Steps(09:58) Future Vision and Duty(11:18) Beyond Insurance Services(13:02) Advocacy and Community Work(13:45) Final Message to MembersSubscribe and share: 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/horizonsInstagram:   www.instagram.com/racwa   Facebook:   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.

For generations caravan parks have been at the heart of the West Aussie holiday - road trips, sandy feet, camp kitchens, and that unmatched sense of freedom, and today, they’ve evolved into a new era of modern holiday parks!

What’s driving the renaissance? Why are WA travellers hitting the road in record numbers? Are parks raising the bar - or are travellers demanding more? What do familiesexpect now that they didn’t a decade ago?

And as RAC invests in upgraded facilities and landmark destinations like Ningaloo Reef Resort, is itredefining the future of the great WA road trip? Chapters:

00:00 WA’s Iconic Holiday Parks: Why We’re Lucky

01:26 Childhood Memories: Freedom, Bikes & Beachside Vibes

03:48 Why WA Loves Road Trips & Holiday Parks05:56 From Caravan Parks to Modern Holiday Resorts

07:11 WA Geography, Seasonality & Picking Park Locations

09:50 Holiday Park vs Caravan Park: What’s Actually Different?

12:28 How Parks Have Evolved: Comfort, Safety & Multi-Gen Travel

16:56 Keeping Kids Busy (and Off Screens): Activities & School Holiday Programs

20:57 Post-COVID Boom: Staying Local, Standards & Repeat Visitors

24:22 WA Hotspots & Who’s Visiting 28:14 Family-Friendly Park Culture: Early Nights, Safe Spaces & Dolphin Mornings

29:16 Comfort vs Camping: Why Glamping Is Taking Off

33:23 Why RAC Got into Holiday Parks 

35:30 Big Investments & New Acquisitions

36:46 Coral Bay/Ningaloo Redevelopment38:48 Building Lightly: Environmental Design, Recycling and Solar Plans

40:28 Boosting Local Tourism

43:15 Who Works in the Parks: Lifestyle Staff, Backpackers and Moving Between Regions

45:20 What’s Next: Future Locations, Eco Stays, Self-Contained Cabins & 10-Year VisionGuests: Doreen Thomson (Senior Marketing Manager, Travel & Tourism), Dean Massie (General Manager, Operations) and Mark Weller (Chief Operating Officer).

Subscribe and share  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: ⁠ / @horizonsrac⁠  Instagram:   www.instagram.com/racwa   Facebook:   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.

We’ve all had a crack at a Western Australian road trip, but how many of us have tried to visit every single town on the map? Meet the WA photographer who’s doing exactly that.

Myke Bartlett sits down with Aaron Green — an electrician by trade and the man behind Lands Unseen, an ambitious solo mission to document every town and ghost town in WA! From well-known regional centres to barely marked dots on the map, Aaron is chasing down more than 600 small towns across WA!

From navigating bushfires and camping solo beneath WA’s vast night skies, to meeting locals who live and breathe their communities, this conversation dives deep into exploration, resilience, and the beauty of slowing down.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction

01:15 Aaron's Journey of Self-Discovery

03:32 Learning the Hard Lessons

05:12 Exploring Small Towns

11:35 The Troop Carrier Upgrade

14:40 Life on the Road

25:38 Hidden Gems in WA

29:31 Memorable Characters and Community Passion

31:48 Top Five Small Towns to Visit

33:55 Unexpected Discoveries in Esperance

36:45 The Charm of Muck and Surrounding Areas

37:53 Ghost Towns and Historical Trails

40:03 Simple Pleasures: Best Meals and Bakeries

43:28 Tips for Aspiring Road Trippers

51:24 The Journey of Self-Discovery

Guest: Aaron Green, Lands Unseen www.instagram.com/lands.unseen

Subscribe and share 

If you liked this episode, subscribe to RAC’s Horizons podcast and share it with your friends and family.    

Find us online:

Website: ⁠www.rac.com.au/horizons⁠  

YouTube: ⁠ www.youtube.com/horizonsrac⁠ 

Instagram:   www.instagram.com/racwa  

Facebook:   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.

As grid electricity prices continue to rise and governments look to accelerate home battery adoption through subsidies and incentives, many households are asking the same question: does investing in solar and battery storage really pay off?

On this episode of the Horizons by RAC podcast, Jason and Bronson unpack how modern solar and battery systems work, what’s changed in recent years, and the key factors to consider before making the switch.

Guests: Jason Skodt and Bronson Davies - Directors of Unplugged Energy and Perth Solar Force

RAC has partnered with Unplugged Energy to help deliver savings to its members, learn more here: https://rac.com.au/membership-benefits/discounts-and-special-offers/member-benefit-unplugged-energy

Chapters: 

00:00 Introduction to Home Energy Storage 

00:58 Understanding Home Battery Systems 

02:52 Financial Benefits and Government Rebates 

05:35 Market Trends and Future Prospects 

09:12 Technical Considerations for Homeowners 

17:53 Virtual Power Plants and Grid Stability 

29:16 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Subscribe and share:

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:    www.youtube.com/@horizonsrac  

Instagram:   www.instagram.com/racwa    

Facebook:   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.

Hikers Robyn and Patrick share a firsthand account of a multi-day hike along the Stirling Range ridge that took an unexpected turn. One small misstep led to an injury that saw Robyn onboard RAC Rescue, they join us to share their 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).

Guests: Robyn Boulet and Patrick Carter – hikers from Perth, Western Australia

00:00 Introduction

01:12 Training and Preparation for the "Half Ridge" Hike

05:53 The Weight of a Hiker's Pack: What to Carry

07:35 The "Snap": Robyn Describes Her Horrific Ankle Injury

10:07 Emergency First Aid and Stabilising the Injury

15:57 The Mental Game: Using Box Breathing to Stay Calm

20:25 The Rescue: The Crew Arrive

39:56 Lessons Learned: Why You Should Never Underestimate the Ridge

Subscribe and share:

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:    www.youtube.com/@horizonsrac  

Instagram:   www.instagram.com/racwa  

Facebook:   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.

As Western Australia transitions toward cleaner transport, EVs continue to dominate the conversation. But according to Hyundai’s Senior Manager of Future Mobility, Scott Nargar, the road ahead won’t be powered by a single technology. Hydrogen is likely to play a crucial complementary role, particularly in a country as vast and freight-reliant as ours.

Guest:

Scott Nargar, Hyundai Motor Company Australia - Senior Manager of Future Mobility and Government Relations

00:00 Introduction to Hydrogen Vehicles

00:39 Hydrogen's Potential in Australia's Transport

01:52 Understanding Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technology

05:31 Current Market and Infrastructure Challenges

08:49 Hydrogen vs. Electric Vehicles: A Comparative Analysis

16:23 Safety and Public Perception of Hydrogen Vehicles

18:36 Hydrogen's Role in WA and Future Prospects

25:10 Collaborative Efforts and Infrastructure Development

30:18 Redundancy in Hydrogen Infrastructure

33:11 Modular and Scalable Hydrogen Stations

36:14 Hyundai NEXO: The Flagship Hydrogen Vehicle

38:56 Hydrogen Vehicles in Government and Industry

44:50 Hydrogen Society and Future Prospects

48:35 Government Support and Policy for Hydrogen

51:08 Future of Hydrogen and EVs in Australia

56:04 Conclusion and Industry Evolution

Subscribe and share:

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.