Convert String (xx/xx/xxxx) to Date (javascript/jQuery date object)

Convert String (xx/xx/xxxx) to Date (javascript/jQuery date object)

Hello,

I have a string, lets say 31/01/2012 (31st Jan 2012) (Australia Date Format) 

I need to run it via a function to convert it into a Javascript date or native date object 

Can I achieve this easily in javascript./jQuery?

Await your advice

Regards

D