The small community of Tathra has rallied together in support of those affected by last week’s fire, which destroyed three businesses in the heart of town.
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The community began fundraising straight away, offering donations, setting up an online fundraiser and a song has even been released as a digital download.
Forty-three-year-old David Schmidt has released a single titled “The rain after the fire”, to help raise funds for the business owners, now rebuilding their lives.
Schmidt, who releases music under the name Noise Art Collective, has released a downloadable version of the song online.
“I thought I could share it with the families, and then I thought I could put the song out there to help,” he said.
“When something like this happens it’s easy to feel sorry for people, but I wanted to help out.”
“The song finds a sense of optimism after the loss, and the community has really rallied around the families, making dinners and everyone wants to help.
“The Tathra community is very resilient.”
An online fundraiser on YouCaring.com set up by Zac Sequoia has already reached its goal of $1000 to donate to Bliss Stylists owner Karen Levido.
Mr Sequoia created the fundraiser ahead of his birthday, asking his friends to donate to Ms Levido instead of buying him a present.
“Of course she is a close friend of mine, but I think this is just what people do, especially in small communities like ours,” he said.
The money will be used to help Ms Levido repurchase equipment and reestablish her business.
Ms Levido said she had been overwhelmed by the generosity of the Tathra community following the fire.
“There has been so much support, I just love the community I’m in.”
“I’ve been stopped on the street for hugs and well wishes and so many people checking on me, it’s been wonderful.”
Ms Levido has been trying to keep her appointments with clients with the help of other hairdressers.
“Some have offered me a chair in their salon, or a spare pair of scissors, which is so generous,” she said.
“The salon is a real meeting place, it’s a community thing, so a lot of people are feeling the loss.”
It is still too early to rebuild her business, but Ms Levido thanked her customers and friends for their support.
