Jeannette Heinze lives in the Bemboka district and along with her neighbours saw her property ravaged by the New Year's Eve bushfires.
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So it was all the more heartwarming to see some kindness from strangers arrive in the form of a trio from Sydney with trucks and trailers full of horse feed in tow.
"Many of my neighbours lost their homes and we've all lost feed and fencing," Ms Heinze said.
"There has been some help from Arc and Landcare with hay drops, which has been wonderful. But as horse-owners, we're not entitled to the same level of help as primary producers."
Ms Heinze said three "incredibly kind" Sydneysiders - Rhys Glanville, Laura Pan and Tom Jarred - bought as much hay and pellets as various feed stores would supply them, and drove to Bemboka to give it to people in need.
"I was absolutely stunned to realise that these lovely people had taken the time and trouble and huge expense, upon themselves, to come down here to help us. Stunned and teary-eyed as you can imagine."
Ms Heinze said the trio have a business in Beecroft called Build 17 and said if anyone in the Sydney area needs a builder, consider sending some work their way to help the Bega Valley show our gratitude for their kindness.
It has been Australia's lost summer. Drought, hail, floods and, worst of all, bushfires have ravaged communities all over the nation. But the selfless actions of friends, family, neighbours, strangers, local groups and volunteer organisations have inspired us and strengthened the bonds of community. Please join us in saying thanks to the heroes of the home front by sharing your stories of gratitude. To salute a person or a group, please use the form below.