In the aftermath of a bushfire that razed 65 homes, Tathra residents have been touched by acts of generosity, kindness and love shown by people and community groups from throughout Australia.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
A display of compassion from western Sydney organisation Sydney Youth Connect was celebrated on social media this week after the group was publicly thanked for providing a free barbecue for residents of the tiny coastal town.
BIG4 Tathra Beach Holiday Park co-owner Kerry McKay said the "beautiful" team from Sydney Youth Connect had "made friends for life" after travelling to the Bega Valley District Shire to lend a hand.
"They were there for the love," Ms McKay said.
"The generosity and the kindness that's been bestowed on Tathra is out of this world - well, it's not out of this world because I know human nature is a beautiful thing and it's lovely to see it actually flourish."
One Tathra resident who lost his home - and asked to be known only as John - said the men were "gracious, kind and understanding". His daughter said an encounter with the men had left him with "a very different opinion and a bigger belly".
"Them along with so many others from the community lessened the blow I had been dealt and in so many ways helped me move forward," John said.
"I look forward to them returning one day in the near future and enjoying a barbecue with myself and my family and theirs.
"What you have done for Tathra, although [it] seems so little will not ever be forgotten by us all."
He added: "Please don't forget your date shortbread."
Ms McKay, who also lost her home to the March 18 fire, said the sheer volume of people who had visited Tathra to help out was "overwhelming".
The Bega District News this week reported a Sydney firefighter spent Thursday handing out surfboards, bodyboards, wetsuits, pushbikes, skateboards and scooters to children and families directly affected by the March 18 bushfire.
Residents of nearby towns have raised thousands of dollars and distributed care packages made up of donated goods.
The BIG4 Tathra Beach Holiday Park was packed for the Easter long weekend, Ms McKay said, with both holiday-makers and people who wanted to show their solidarity checking in.
"It's just beautiful that everybody's still coming here," Ms McKay said.
"We're greeting them with big smiles and open arms and lots of hugs."