This edition of strong is all about strong people, strong families and strong communities.

Read about member-turned-staff Deborah, who is living her dream as a Fitness Instructor, and the amazing weight-loss story of Cardinia LiFE member Mario.

Find out how the YMCA is building strong and active families as the Community Partner of the exciting Premier's Active Families Challenge.

And our YMCA Open Doors Appeal, which across Victoria has inspired significant community support for people experiencing disadvantage in our communities.

We all know that every little bit helps when it comes to the health of your family.

And pulling the kids away from the TV or computer can be a challenge.

That’s why the Victorian Government has created the Premier’s Active Families Challenge.

What's the Challenge?

The Biggest Loser is big.

The Channel 10 program has big contestants, big-talking trainers and a big prize; but is this big-rating TV show sending weight-conscious viewers the wrong message?

Is this method of extreme and rapid weight-loss healthy and sustainable?

Our Health & Wellness Specialist, Adrian Heffernan (pictured), gives it to us straight.

Before After

60 kilograms is roughly the weight of a lightweight amateur boxer, a Great Dane, or a 50-inch plasma television.

It's also how much weight Cardinia LiFE member, Mario Suban, has lost in just two years.

Read Mario’s amazing story

YMCA Victoria today declared its inaugural YMCA Open Doors Mission:Possible Fundraising Ball “an outstanding success”.

“In our first-ever foray into major fundraising, I’m delighted to announce that the evening at Melbourne Town Hall raised $91,000 and also generated significant ongoing corporate support for our YMCA Open Doors initiative,” said Chief Executive Peter Burns.
More information

Pictured: Lord Mayor John So helps launch the YMCA Open Doors Appeal 2008.

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Deborah Pritchard (pictured) used to love working out at her local group fitness classes at the Eltham Leisure Centre - but that's all changed.

Now, she's leading the classes.

See how a YMCA Fitness Training course beefed up Deborah's career.

>	Families get active at the Y
>	Don't be The Biggest Loser
>	The healthy way to lose weight
>	Mission: Possible declared "Mission: Success"
>	Member Rewards
>	Beef up your career in the fitness industry

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