Senior Constable Sally Jensen and Healesville mechanic Rob Chippindall are part of the Car Torque 3777 team working to put Healesville’s young drivers on a road to safer driving.By Kath Gannaway
A $30,000 FUNDING boost has ensured a good start to the Car Torque 3777 program in Healesville.
The Victoria Police Youth Fund recently announced a grant of $25,000 and the Rotary Club of Healesville has committed $5000 to the project.
Township group Community 3777 through its Youth Portfolio Group is running the 20-week program which aims to provide young people 15 and above – male and female – with the resources they need to become safe, responsible drivers.
“With funding now available the program will start in April,” project spokesperson John Robinson announced last week.
Senior Constable Sally Jensen, youth resources officer for Yarra Ranges, said the funding announcement was exciting news for everyone involved in the project.
“Chief Commissioner Christine Nixon said recently that crime, public safety and road safety are key focus areas for Victoria Police in delivering a safer Victoria,” she said.
“The Car Torque 3777 program is based on educating young drivers and passengers about how they can stay safer on the roads which is crucial to saving lives and reducing the number of serious collisions.”
She said the program would also provide an opportunity for police to foster partnerships with the community, businesses and other local community leaders.
“Police participating in the Car Torque 3777 program will be able to connect with young people in a positive environment to remind them of the risks and dangers they face on the roads,” Sen Const Jensen said.
Police are among a number of guest speakers who have signed on to provide the participants with a broad range of experiences from mechanical operation to safe workshop practices and risk factors.
On Saturdays, participants will have the opportunity to work under supervision on their own cars, or a group car at a fully equipped workshop in Healesville.
Local mechanic and Rotarian Robert Chippindall has put his hand up to help out and says what is needed now is for more people with auto-industry experience to come on board.
Young people interested in being involved can enrol at the Living and Learning Centre, at 1 Badger Creek Road, Healesville, or by contacting Karen Kisala on 5962 5982.
