Celebrating 30 Years of R&J Batteries

As we wrap up 2025, we’re incredibly proud to mark a major milestone – 30 years in the business and still going strong. What started out as a small operation running out of a humble tin shed in Ballarat has now grown into a trusted name with 29 branches across Australia and New Zealand, supported by a network of 18,000+ stockists and distributors .

A quick look at the journey so far:

• 1995: R&J Batteries is founded in Ballarat.
• 2001: Our second branch opens in Bendigo
• 2003-2016: Expanded steadily across Victoria, then interstate, strengthening our national footprint.
• 2017: Operations officially launch in New Zealand.
• 2025: R&J becomes carbon neutral, a major step towards a more sustainable future.

Founded in 1995 by Ray Robson and John Webb, R&J Batteries began in a tin shed on La Trobe Street, Ballarat. With every cent invested, the business grew into Australia & New Zealand’s largest, locally and privately owned battery distributors. “It was never intended to get this big… we started off in a little tin shed in Ballarat,” Ray reflects, remembering the early days.

After opening a second branch in Bendigo in 2001, R&J Batteries expanded rapidly throughout Victoria and beyond, with the first interstate branch in Stapylton, Brisbane. These, alongside a merger with Island Batteries in Hobart and Launceston, meant we had a branch in every state and territory. This strong foundation paved the way for international growth, launching operations in Auckland in 2017 and Christchurch in 2019. While John moved on in 2011, Ray remains a hands-on Managing Director, steering the company’s vision and values alongside his wife Rhonda three decades later.
Read more about our history by looking back at our 25 year milestone. 

Proud Supporters of All Things Motorsport

“Motorsport has always been a major part of R&J’s DNA . We enjoy our sport. We enjoy racing. We enjoy fun.”, says Stuart Hamilton, R&J Batteries CEO. From two wheels to four, tarmac or dirt, and even the thunder of the drag strip, we’ve backed teams who push limits and race with heart. Our long-standing involvement includes partnerships with:

• Brad Jones Racing
• Greg Gartner Motorsport
• BCPerformance Kawaski
• Lamattina Top Fuel Racing
• Marcus Zukanovic Racing

We’re proud to stand behind teams who champion mateship and a genuine passion for racing.

30 Year Celebrations

A milestone like this deserved more than just a congratulations - it called for a company-wide celebration, and we certainly made the most of it.

• A Fresh 30-year Logo
  To mark the occasion, we launched a special 30th anniversary logo that pays homage to where we started and how far we’ve come. designed to complement our core R&J Batteries branding, it became a symbol of pride throughout the year. You would have spotted it everywhere - from our digital channels and email signatures to branch signage, merchandise, and event displays.
• Making its Mark on the Track - BJR Livery
  One of the standout moments of the year was seeing our anniversary logo featured on the R&J Batteries Camaro during the 2025 Supercars season. Watching it on the track was not just exciting- it was a reminder of the strength of our long-term commitment and passion we share with the motorsport community.
• Limited Edition 30-year Merchandise
  We rolled out a full line of 30th anniversary merchandise, and our team and customers absolutely got around it. From caps, beanies, and stubby holders, the anniversary range became a fun way for everyone to share in the celebration and show their R&J pride.
• Companywide Bowling Championship
  And of course, what’s a milestone without a bit of friendly competition? Our companywide bowling championship brought together teams from across Australia and New Zealand for a bit of banter, bonding, and bragging rights. In the end, it was the Bayswater branch who bowled their way to victory and claimed the crown!