Graduate – Rita Johnson – Wyndham TOWN Club
Rita Johnson is the only remaining founding member of Wyndham TOWN Club. The Club opened on 15 October 1999 and Rita has continued to be a valuable member and contributor and an important part of our Clubs history. She is someone who has always been willing to help in any way she can.
In early days Rita worked diligently in the Weight Room offering her encouragement and support to everyone each week, even when she may have been struggling herself. She has also been assistant Leader and assistant Treasurer. Rita is now a valuable committee member who is totally keen to help others on their weight loss journey. Rita can’t always stay for meetings due to work commitments, but has always been available to share her experiences, disappointments and successes.
Rita reached a plateau with her weight loss and often thought that it was impossible to reach her goal weight. An injury had restricted her from exercising, but instead of giving up she constantly worked on her eating habits until she was able to work out the right balance of all the food groups suitable for her. Her weight loss journey wan then on the move once more.
Rita graduated on the 16th April 2004 with a weight loss of 11.1 kgs. Since that date, she has never been out of status.
Pre Covid, Rita weighed in 714 out of 750 weeks and had 430 spot on her goal weight. What a remarkable achievement.
Rita’s achievements include:
TOWN Australia State Graduate – 2005-2006, 2017-2018, 2018-2019 and 3rd place State Graduate 2013-2014 and 2016-2017.
Wyndham TOWN Awards – Princess 1999-2000 Graduate – 2006-2007, 2010-2011, 2011-2012, 2012-2013, 2014-2015, 2015-2016, 2016-2017, 2017-2018, 2018-2019, 2019-2020, 2020-2021, 2021-2022, 2022-2023, 2023-2024.
Rita has faced many personal challenges along the way which would have been a detriment to staying on track. She and her husband were running their own business and after a four year battle with cancer, Rita lost her husband in December 2019. During this time, Rita never wavered in weighing in each week and also continued to offer support to everyone. She continues to inspire us with her dedication to love a happy and healthy life.
Wyndham TOWN Club now has five graduates and Rita has welcomed the competition. She is always willing to share her experience with the new Graduates as they settle in to their status. Rita is an inspiration to us all – she always takes the time to chat to everyone, give them a hug or a smile, to find out how they are going and to offer any advice. She is a very special, caring and giving person and her warmth and friendship brightens up our Friday meetings.
