A community parade and tribute to those who have been involved in the bushfire crisis was "greatly appreciated", according to a local Rural Fire Service leader.
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The parade was held as part of Wollongong's Australia Day celebrations on Sunday night.
The parade featured representatives from the local Rural Fire Service, as well as NSW Fire and Rescue and the SES.
Mount Keira RFS captain Andrew O'Hanlon said the parade was "absolutely fantastic".
"It was certainly well enjoyed and well appreciated by all," he said.
"It was well put together and the appreciation we got from the Lord Mayor received gratefully.
"Everyone had a great night."
At the end of the parade a donation of $3162 was made to the RFS on behalf of the Rotary clubs of the Illawarra, following a community collection held during with Wollongong City Council's New Year's Eve celebrations.
"The Rotary clubs of the Illawarra were proud to be able to make this donation on behalf of the Wollongong community," Rotary Club of Wollongong president Julian O'Brien said.
"Rotary as a service organisation and our clubs of the Illawarra will look at helping in any way we can our neighbours on the South Coast and Southern Highlands who have been so badly impacted by these devastating bushfires."
RFS volunteers also took a bucket collection as part of Sunday night's Australia Day celebrations around the Harbour with those funds still being tallied.
Mr O'Hanlon said the focus on the emergency organisations by the Wollongong City Council was a great initiative.
"No-one does it for the accolades or thanks, but when people take the time to say 'thanks' it's appreciated," he said.
"A lot of members had family in crowd so it was great for for them to see that the sacrifices they make as a family were appreciated."
A total fire ban remains in place for the Illawarra, Shoalhaven and Southern Highlands on Tuesday with more warm, dry and windy weather forecast.
