2025 is the year to celebrate – the Mt Buller Ski Patrol turn 75, it’s 32 years for Alpine Chapel and ski chaplaincy, and the Melbourne institution, Roof Carrier Systems celebrates 40 years in the roof rack game.

Snow-goers will be familiar with RCS, having trusted them for years to supply snow chains, ski carriers and roof racks for all vehicles.

Many will also know the Snow Tyres arm of the business, created in 2004 to import the premium Nokian winter tyres from Finland.

When Richard Townley opened Roof Carrier Systems it was the first specialist roof rack shop in Australia.

His vision was to create the best customer experience with the latest product technology.

The timing was right as the first of the “gutterless cars” were introduced to the market at this time.

And in the same 1985 winter, RCS offered diamond pattern snow chains from Rud as an alternative to the more commonly used ladder chains.

In 2018 it was time for Richard to take a well-earned break, passing the RCS and Snow Tyres baton into the trusted hands of Paul Miles.

It was business as usual given Paul was already the manager and has been there since 2000.

Today, Roof Carrier Systems still operates from the same convenient site in Burke Road Camberwell, recently expanding next door to hold more stock and have extra fitting bays.

They’ll mark the milestone with birthday events and a new website that’s due to launch later this winter.

"Our new site will support the great service we provide in-store, allowing customers to research and purchase online," said Paul.

"But nothing beats our in-store service – getting the right advice for your vehicle and needs, as well as expert fitting.

"Great value comes from getting the right advice the first time around, being able to trade in your old chains or racks, and even reuse parts of your existing system."

Reflecting on the milestone, the thing Richard is most proud of is establishing a business that’s become a Melbourne icon.

Paul agrees. "We’ve had customers come in who remember walking into the shop with their parents 25 years ago! It’s great to know they keep coming back for service they can trust and excellent value."