Activate NT was formerly known as 'Palmlesstonnes' and 'DarwinLite', these testimonials were submitted for the challenges held in 2007 and 2008.

‘I really appreciated the opportunity to participate in a program with variety - it was really great. the ability to have so many choices that you could vary each day provided the momentum to keep doing something every day - even Sundays.’

‘The Palmlesstonnes program has been a lifesaver for me. It provided me the incentive to do what I knew I needed to do in terms of changing my eating habits permanently and increasing the amount of exercise I did. During the 12 weeks of the program I lost almost 15 kg and about 16 cm from around the waist. Since the end of the program I have continued to lose weight.'

'Although I knew why I needed to lose weight and I understood the benefits and how to do it, I had been through the loss and gain cycle many times before in my life and had lost the incentive to change. What Palmlesstonnes did was to make me feel part of a team, and it introduced a competitive element. The team part meant that I stuck to the morning walk routine so that I didn’t let down the team. The competitive part came from the weigh-ins in seeing that I could keep up the effort.'

'For me the benefits have been reduced blood pressure and lower risk of heart disease, cosmetic improvement and greater comfort. The morning walks have left me feeling far more alert and energetic and able to work with greater efficiency and effectiveness.’

‘Palmlesstonnes gives you such a sense of community, a lot of people don’t know what that means anymore. To see the friendships that have developed, and to know people want to keep up their exercise when it ends, has been very encouraging.’

‘The program this year is fantastic, which is a huge credit to the organising committee. I feel this year there is more options and a lot more support to help us all achieve. I attend the Pram walks and exercise sessions and thoroughly enjoy them. I have met so many new people and found that this year there is more encouragement from each other. I have described this to my Husband as "you can feel the love" when we are training.’

‘By getting started with Palmlesstonnes I was able to get to a base level of fitness that had me motivated enough to join a gym and hire my own personal trainer’

‘I am not too embarrassed to do exercise with Palmlesstonnes, where I would be to go to a gym.’

‘I just feel a lot better, I don’t really have any back pain or sore knees anymore’

‘My depression can leave me feeling alone and isolated so this has given me a chance to meet people and now seeing friendly faces in the supermarket and out and about has helped me adjust to living here in the territory’

‘I have changed my eating habits to sustainable healthier options, have more energy and am more positive about my body image and am keen to get out and about’

‘The walks were good because I could explore mew areas whilst safely with other people (it is not always safe to walk alone)’

‘The bicycle tour was excellent and also historically interesting. I am tempted to buy a bicycle, what a great way to get around the CBD. I recommend it to everybody.’

‘The groups were of a manageable size with people of all walks of life and fitness levels so no one looked stupid or out of place. The instructors were easy to get on with a nd very helpful. It was also a good time after work and before dinner. Got to see places I have not been to before which was nice.’