She was thrilled to catch up with former Biggest Loser contestants but was also pleased to see how Ararat has embraced changing the community's health for the better through the Active8 program, which saw eight participants teamed with a mentor from the Biggest Loser and a personal trainer for 12 weeks with the aim of improving their health and fitness.

"Ararat was the fifth season I hosted and I have to say I definitely made some life long friends out of the contestants at Ararat," she said at the finale.

"That whole season was a very special season, we went through a lot together on that journey and it's great to see it continue.

"Exactly one year ago I stood on stage to announce the winner of the Biggest Loser Challenge Australia, it's fantastic to see that everyone has continued their journey since then. It's amazing to see the Kitty Committee has kept it going.

Ms Lewis said that during the filming of the Biggest Loser Challenge Australia the people of Ararat raised $145,000 for the town kitty, with Shine Australia and Channel 10 setting up the Kitty Committee, which is in charge of ensuring that this money will create a legacy for the community of Ararat and continue the journey towards health and wellbeing.

She said Ararat Active8 has been the Kitty Committee's first project and the idea was one of paying if forward.

"Those who are fortunate enough to spend time learning from the Biggest Loser have a desire to share their experience back here and continue to work towards changing the culture of Ararat Rural City to Ararat Active City," she said.

Ms Lewis said three months ago on July 11 eight people were teamed up with a mentor who was a previous contestant on the Biggest Loser Challenge Australia and with a personal trainer from here in Ararat.

In addition to these eight people there was also a group of 30 people who had the benefit of having free gym membership and a mentor.

"The big message is that the aim of this program is about living a healthy life," she said.

"It's not about rapid weight loss but about making healthy changes that are able to be sustained in every day life with the right support from family, friends and the broader community and it's also about working together with family and friends as a community towards a healthy and more active lifestyle.

"This isn't something that will happen over night, but as you work together change will occur. This is no easy task, if this was a simple thing then many of the countries in the world would not be struggling to find a healthy lifestyle.

"Ararat is sending a clear message that you are ready for change and ready to work together to achieve your goals. The inclusive way in which you've worked together is something you should all be very proud of.

"I congratulate you and our wonderful eight on the hard work so far."

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