Febfast is an annual charity event that endorses a healthy lifestyle, and raises funds for disadvantaged young Australians and Mudgee residents are banning booze, sweets or a vice of their choice.

Febfast is led by Youth Support Advocacy Service (YSAS), a Victorian community service that enables disadvantaged young people to access the resources and support required to lead a healthy lifestyle.

"2021 is really the perfect opportunity for people to reset and get onto the path of good health, and Febfast is giving them a legitimate feel good way to kick start that," said Jane Gardner, Head of Advocacy at YSAS.

The 2021 Febfast campaign has experienced its largest uptake of registrations on record, with more than five-thousand Australians currently registered.

"Last year was an interesting one for us, we had a lot of registrations but then the bushfires happened so people quite rightly decided to give their donations to the bushfire appeals.

"This year is looking different, we have had a fantastic response," said Jane.

Jane attributes the increase in registrations to what she describes as "the year that 2020 was" - a year of turning to alcohol and unhealthy food to manage stress brought on by the pandemic.

Veronica Baker is one Mudgee resident taking on the Febfast challenge. She has banished alcohol after discovering the Febfast campaign on Facebook.

Veronica, says that after swapping out alcohol she is feeling a bit more energy, but will continue to monitor it throughout the month. She hopes that the change to her routine will create healthier habits that will continue after the fast is complete.

"It's for a worthy cause, it motivates me to do this for myself, and to help others at the same time," said Veronica.

"I am going out on Saturday night for dinner, and I am thinking that it's going to be a big challenge. I motivate myself with the fact it's for a good cause."

Dr Peter Roberts from Mudgee Medical Centre says Febfast is "[a] Great idea and use it as a springboard for more lasting changes. Breaking a habit is liberating and you will definitely feel better and be healthier."

When asked if there were any risks participating in Febfast, Dr Roberts said, "There are no risks associated with giving up sugar. The only risk of giving up alcohol abruptly is if the level of drinking prior to giving up was so heavy that the person would be at risk of severe withdrawal symptoms known colloquially as the DTs".

Taking a break from alcohol or unhealthy food can be difficult, especially when socialising over a drink or meal is common practice.

Mudgee pubs and liquor stores are getting behind the Febfast campaign, providing patrons with zero-alcohol alternatives.

"We actually had a lady in here yesterday who was doing it, but she didn't want the group who she was with to know she was doing it, so she was getting zero percent alcohol beers into a glass so it looked like she was still drinking," said Mikaela Brown from the Lawson Park Hotel.

The funds raised during Febfast will go towards assisting young people across Victoria and South Australia to recover from alcohol, drug and mental health issues.

Veronica said that while her fundraising progress has been slow, she is happy with the amount she has raised so far.

"My goal wasn't high, it was only $150, I've raised $60 so far. I think people want to see if I can actually do it before they donate, because they know I love my wine," said Veronica.

For participants who find themselves giving into the temptation of a cold beer or scoop of ice-cream, the Febfast message is simple.

"The message of the campaign is just give it a go, we know people are only human and that there might be time when you struggle but really it's just about giving it a go," said Jane.

To support Veronica in reaching her Febfast goal, donate at the link: https://bit.ly/39VoYMg