Booran Holden manager Michael Wood with Healesville resident Doug Smith.By Lia Bichel
HEALESVILLE bushfire victims have received new wheels, thanks to the efforts of staff and trainees at Hand Brake Turn in Dandenong.
After Black Saturday devastated Victorian residents, staff and trainees at Hand Brake Turn banded together to lend a helping hand. They urged Victorian residents to donate their unused cars, and spent countless hours fixing them up to donate to bushfire victims.
“We ended up getting three dozen cars, and eight of them ended up being good enough to distribute,” Manager Bruce Walker said.
“It’s been overwhelming.”
One car has since been donated to a bushfire victim in Kinglake, and two to victims in Healesville. Manager Michael Wood donated a Hyundai, which Hand Brake Turn made roadworthy, registered, and donated to Healesville resident Doug Smith.
“I lost two cars in the fires, and having a car is essential,” he said. “I am a civil engineer, and always going somewhere, but things were kind of put on hold after the fires. I have been stuck without a car.”
Mr Smith said his case manager told him he would receive a car from Hand Brake Turn, but he thought it was only a loan.
“I was shocked when I found out it was a gift,” he said. “It was quite a surprise. Hand Brake Turn and the (trainees) have been fantastic.”
Mr Docker said trainees at Hand Brake Turn were enthusiastic about rebuilding the cars and helping the bushfire relief efforts.
