From the ashes

By Monique Ebrington
YOUNG car enthusiasts in the Yarra Valley will have the opportunity this year to help restore a piece of history.
Healesville RSL Sub Branch and Car Torque 3777 members are working in partnership to restore a World War II US Army Jeep.
Healesville RSL president Arthur Ford said the Jeep was being restored when it was burnt in the Black Saturday fires that hit Marysville.
Mr Ford said the Jeep, when completed, will be an asset to the RSL for ceremonial occasions.
Leader of the Car Torque 3777 committee John Robinson said the restoration would run alongside the regular Car Torque program that will resume next Wednesday, 20 January.
“I think that this is a great project,” Mr Robinson said.
“What’s good about it is that it’s something we can go from start to finish on.
“It’s a real rebuild project.
“It also helps them contribute something to the community.
“They’ll also be able to see the jeep running around and be able to say, I helped do that up.”
Mr Robinson said the project is expected to last 12 months and will involve a complete rebuild of the engine, transmission, steering, brakes, chassis and body.
Car Torque 3777 is a program that gives young people, aged 15 to 24, the opportunity to learn basic car maintenance, body repairs and painting skills as well as road safety and safe driving strategies.
For more information or to become involved in the restoration of the World War II Jeep through Car Torque 3777 phone www.healesvillelearningcentre.org/cartorque.
Car Torque 3777 operates out of the Healesville Living and Learning Centre.