“On behalf of the Cherbourg Aboriginal Shire Council, and the participants that completed the Warriors @ War program with you, a big heartfelt THANK YOU! Our community has witnessed the dramatic transformations of the 18 participants (Warriors), an amazing weight loss of 180kgs in twelve weeks, one of the Warriors Caroline (21 years insulin dependent) diabetes removed, no longer on medication. Participants are still training and are reporting that their doctors are removing them off medication and told them this program has helped lower their blood pressure and cholesterol.

This has been a very challenging time for us but for you as well, thank you once again. You have come to our community with a dream, a plan and a goal to help individuals but what you end up doing was so much more, you have planted a seed and now it is growing and evolving to be so much more. Seeing this dramatic change in participants and their families has had a ripple effect within the community, we see more people forming walking groups, and local businesses doing well with the items on your food plan. There is a noticeable increase of residents using the gyms, we gladly see people more open in speaking out about their health challenges and addressing these issues, because you have shown our community it CAN be done.”

Warren Collins

“This group of strong, proud Black women has achieved an incredible collective weight loss of 220 kg through consistent training and a supportive community. They’ve reversed Type 2 diabetes, eliminated medications, stabilized heart conditions, and gained control of their mental health.

This transformation wasn’t about dieting—it was about embracing proper exercise, balanced eating, and honouring their heritage. Just like our ancestors lived before the introduction of alcohol, sugar, and processed flour, they’re celebrating who they are by returning to who they’re meant to be.

A true representation of resilience, strength, and empowerment!”

Kalka Mitchell

“My name is Christine and I am a proud descendant of the Quandamooka Peoples, Nughi of Moorgumpin.

My fitness journey started 4 years ago with Kalka, I wanted to lose weight, gain strength, and overall make changes to my physical, mental, spiritual & emotional wellbeing. To date I have lost 30kg and feel like a new woman, I refer to daily gym training as my happy place/happy pill.

I love that when I train with Kalka, he goes out of his way to show me exactly how to perform certain movements and gives me the motication and confidence to keep pushing myself. He has also taught me a lot about mindset and keeping a positive attitude and for that I am extremely grateful. Kalka is always so upbeat, moticating, knowledgeable and engouraging. Kalka speaks from a high level of experience and expertise in the Health & Fitness field. The diversity of his own personal experiences equips Kalka with the unique ability to aspire and connect with people from a vast range of backgrounds.

Kalka is motivated by a true passion to elevate the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and all other Australians.

If you are planning a career in Health and Fitness, I would highly recommend studying with Deadly Trainers/Kalka Mitchell.”

Christine

“Elizabeth Jacobs 34 year old Aboriginal female diagnosed with Chronic Respiratory Illness: Asthma. Daily treatment of Preventer and Ventolin. Family history of Diabetes and Cardiac Disease. Grossly obese; 104kgs and 164cm. I was overweight as a child, teenager and in early adulthood. During my childhood I was one of the biggest in my class and was always embarrassed of my weight, especially on Athletic Sports days when it was compulsory for all students to compete and at Physical Health Education. No one wants to be last or chosen last.

Although my childhood and teenage years were bearable I don’t remember ever being happy, largely due to my unhealthy lifestyle of fast food, lack of exercise and increasing weight gain.  Adulthood was much of the same only now I was working in health and I was even more embarrassed with my weight. I was now encouraging my clients the importance of a healthy lifestyle and exercise. I often asked myself why I was encouraging my clients when I didn’t adhere to my own advice. I was slowly being pre-disposed to my family history of diabetes and increasing the risk of mortality. 

I realised that I had to make positive lifestyle changes. I had attempted numerous times in the past to live a healthier lifestyle only to be faced with disappointment and failure. I was then informed of Kalka Mitchell and the success of the 12 Week Program. I read the success stories and was excited when I heard that Kalka was coming to Cherbourg. I desperately wanted to be a participant of the 12 Week Program and although the intake and interviewing process was nerve wrecking and a little embarassing. I was ecstatic when I was chosen to be one of the participants of the Program. I was anxious when I was informed that NITV was going to be doing a story on the 12 Week Program, I hated having pictures taken and seeing myself on NITV was so confronting. I did find comfort in the fact that there were 12 other participants in the same situation.   

I have currently lost 20kg and no longer use my Preventer and Ventolin Asthma Medication. I have successfully changed my lifestyle and have kept the weight off. As a group the Cherbourg participants have lost a total of 180kg.”

Elizabeth Jacobs

“Kalka has been my trainer/mentor for the last 2 years, helping me reach my goals from weight training, fat loss and nutrition. With his extensive knowledge in the gym, commitment to helping others be the best version of themselves and straightforward approach, he is hands down one of the best and I highly recommend him as a personal trainer and mentor to teach our younger generation of trainers.”

Emma Kidd