NEWS DESK
Weight loss leads to living a better life Liz Bell liz@mpnews.com.au
Weight answer: Ruth Carmichael, 79, left, pictured with Kathy Woodroffe, 81, says her weight loss achievements would have been more difficult without support from the Take Off Weight Naturally (TOWN) group. Picture: Gary Sissons
ANYONE who has ever struggled with their weight will know the emotional rollercoaster involved in the weight loss journey and the importance of being supported. The Mornington-based healthy eating group, Take Off Weight Naturally (TOWN), celebrates its 25th anniversary in February - a quarter of a century of helping people stay healthy and manage their weight. The not-for-profit group has more than 40 members who meet at Mornington Bowls Club on Wednesday mornings, providing friendship and support in a nonjudgmental environment. TOWN clubs encourage weight loss by promoting a nutritionally balanced diet and giving encouragement and practical advice on how to lose weight and keep it off. Ruth Carmichael, of Mornington, joined 24 years ago when she was in her 50s, after struggling with her weight most of her life. Carmichael was around 90 kilograms and felt that carrying extra kilos was damaging her health and not allowing her to live her best life. “I got my weight down to around 75 kilograms gradually, and at one point during COVID it was in the 60s, and I know I could not have done that on my own,” she said. “I think with most people who need to lose weight it has been a lifelong battle because they haven’t really had the right support and advice and motivation. “I had tried a lot of other weight loss
groups, but some of them can be costly and make it hard to keep going. “TOWN is cheap by comparison, and we don’t really go on diets as such, we give each other support and advice, and we have competitions to make weight loss fun.” It’s a similar story for Kathy Woodroffe, who joined the Mornington group from its inception. “I went to a meeting 25 years ago where they were looking for expressions of interest to start a group in Mornington and I couldn’t get there quick enough,” she said. “I’ve struggled with my weight all my life and went from 102 kilograms to around 69 kilograms in two years with the club’s support, healthy eating and exercise,” she said. Last year Mornington TOWN won the group’s statewide weight-loss competition, with members losing a collective 140 kilograms. TOWN clubs discourage the use of nonprescribed medication and substitute foods. The first club was established in Melbourne in 1968 by two Melbourne women and there are now more than 80 clubs that meet weekly throughout Victoria and NSW. To be eligible to join TOWN Mornington a letter from a doctor is required, advising the club of how much the prospective member would like to weigh. Members must be over 14 and make a commitment to attend weekly meetings and lose weight. Clubs are run by volunteers and members compete for weight loss awards each week, with special awards given out once a month. For more information call 9761 1875 or email townaustralia@townaustralia.com.au
OPINION
Candidate ‘inspired’ by Peta Murphy - PM By Anthony Albanese*
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Southern Peninsula News
17 January 2024
THIS week I was back in Frankston to ask Jodie Belyea to be Labor’s candidate for Dunkley. Jodie is a local Frankston mum who has put her hand up after the late Peta Murphy’s passing. I know that for many of us, not just in the Labor family, but in the local community, the loss of Peta Murphy has been devastating. It meant a lot that Rod, Peta’s husband, joined us on Thursday at the Frankston Bowling Club to help launch Jodie’s campaign. Because of Peta’s work, Jodie Belyea was inspired to join the Labor Party. I’m proud that Jodie is working hard to continue Peta’s legacy. Peta Murphy was a fighter. Peta fought for this community every day and I know Jodie Belyea will too. Because this community deserves a strong, local voice. Jodie met Peta through her work for a not-forprofit organisation that supports local women doing it tough. I know Jodie will build on Peta’s legacy. Jodie will be a strong local voice for Dunkley and part of a government that is working every day to make lives better. We’re delivering responsible cost of living relief, with support for families, including cheaper child care, cheaper medicines, electricity bill relief, and making it cheaper and easier to see a doctor. My team has made it easier to see a doctor, with 19 more GPs now working in Dunkley We’ve taken the load off the local emergency department at Frankston hospital, with the opening of the Frankston Urgent Care Clinic. Already, 11,000 patients have been through its doors. And there are thousands of families paying less for their child care because of our cheaper child care initiative. Jodie studied and worked at Chisholm TAFE and community organisations like Anglicare.
She’ll be part of a Government that is making record investments in vocational education and TAFE, so that locals can get the skills they need to get ahead and provide for their loved ones. Jodie also knows we’re working hard to make sure people can find a home of their own. Since the election, the Home Guarantee Scheme has helped more than 3,500 people in Melbourne’s south east and over 1,000 people in Mornington Peninsula into a home of their own. So, in the coming weeks, you’ll see Jodie Belyea out and about. Take the opportunity to have a chat with Jodie and hear a bit more about why she’s put her hand up to be the next Member for Dunkley and the newest member of my government. *Anthony Albanese is the Prime Minister of Australia
DUNKLEY candidate Jodie Belyea and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in Frankston last week. Picture: Supplied
