Publican David Allen said after staying to defend the hotel and family properties from the fires on New Year's Eve, a get together was an ideal chance to say thank you to firies for their enormous efforts to defend the town.

Cobargo fire captain Mark Ayliffe said a few words on the night and was presented a special thank you from the community.

"The future is what we make it in our town," Mr Ayliffe said.

"It's so important we put away our differences and work together united."

Mr Ayliffe said he preferred to be hands-on than in a position of public speaking, but thanked the community for their support and for the courageous fire-fighting efforts of everyone.

"I hope for those anxious faces I've had to look into, that I gave some sense of settling, hope ... in a time where some felt hopeless and helpless."

"I feel for those that have lost, I'm grateful for those who haven't had that experience so directly."

The night also provided an outlet for local residents to check on each other and bring the community together to embrace the celebrations they had missed.

The event garnered an enormous outcry of support with the Cobargo Scouts turning out to provide a sausage sizzle on Sunday afternoon, while Army personnel also let the locals check out some of the vehicles as part of their convoy that has been aiding relief efforts.

Member for Bega Andrew Constance said a few words in support of the community after fighting to save his own home near Malua Bay at the same time fires hit Cobargo and Quaama.

Local musicians donated their time, while the hotel also welcomed some footy ambassadors. "Millie Boyle and Kezie Apps were there as well as Clinton Toopi and David Shillington, who donated one of his Australian Jumpers to Blake Salway," Mr Allen said.

Mr Allen said the hotel were able to offer a free happy hour on Sunday afternoon, with Bottlemart providing a $5000 tab for the community and the Australian Hotels Association also topping up the account later into the afternoon.

Mr Allen said it had been an emotional and trying time, but was grateful for the efforts of firies, volunteers, emergency services and the Army, who had all played a part in recovery efforts this week.

He also thanked staff from Bermagui Hotel, Bermagui Country Club and Bermagui Cellars who helped serve the influx of people, saying many of his own team had faced the worst of the fires.

"Five of my staff lost their homes, so it's been very hard on them."

Mr Allen credited the Cobargo and surrounding communities as people with an incredible resolve.

He said the town had rallied for supplies and come together at the Showgrounds while roads were inaccessible, but even since reopening he said the aid efforts from the community were remarkable.

He paid particular mention to the Salway family who tragically lost Robert and Patrick while trying to defend their farm on New Year's Eve.

"It must be so tough for them grieving with that loss, but life has to go on, I just saw Timmy out there this morning, he's out fencing and trying to keep the family farms running," Mr Allen said.