But this was to be on a completely different scale, dwarfing previous work.

It also developed into a needs-based plan and so as fire-affected people got some shelter in the form of a caravan, the next job was to secure a source of water and more recently to install plumbing and sanitation.

However, the road to recovery can be pitted with problems.

In March the SJASC decided that shipping containers would be really useful for individuals and communities to store their possessions safely. They spoke with shipping company Maersk and understood the company would be prepared to loan some containers.

It never happened, but now the Minderoo Foundation has stepped in to pay for two 40ft containers for community storage and six 20ft containers for individuals.

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Mick Brosnan of the SJASC is full of praise for the many individuals and organisations who have donated goods or money, and especially Minderoo, which he says "do what they say they will do".

"Originally we had a list of about 15 wanting containers, but it's taken so long that people had to seek other methods of storage," Mick said.

When it came to a call out for caravans though, the public stepped up.

Through its homeless program the SJASC had four caravans not being used which they gave out quickly. They then put the word out on social media and were inundated with calls.

Mick was contacted by a young couple who had just finished their holiday and wanted to give their four-berth fully equipped camper trailer.

They now have over 50 caravans being used by bushfire-affected people and a further $80,000 donated towards the purchase of more.

"It's about trying to get people back on to their property and get some sanity. I think it's important for people to get the feeling back here," Mick said tapping his chest, "about their property."

In the meantime demand has driven the cost of caravans up by more than double, Mick said, because COVID means more people are looking to holiday locally and be self-contained.

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GIVIT and other donors assisted with the supply of IBCs, and although they helped with immediate water needs, filling the 1000L water containers can be problematic. Now the SJASC has sourced charitable funding for 5000L water tanks.

At the next level Coates Hire is lending toilets, showers and site sheds. Mick said they identified a number of properties in and around Bemboka as a starting point.

"We had three sets and another four to be delivered in mid September and generators." Next in line are properties in Pericoe, Verona and Wyndham.

The SJASC is organising the installation of temporary septics and the combined Rotary clubs have applied for grants to cover plumbing works.

Mick said there were other organisations doing similar work. "We're also very supportive of council, they've been exceptionally pro-active in what they've done," he said.

While the physical work of recovery continues Mick worries about the long-term effects.

"You go to these sites and they are still desolate, barren, black stumps, burnt. There's a long way to go for many people. Ask anyone about the situation and mental health is the main concern.

"There's trauma from the fires and significant indirect impact from COVID as people are isolated.

"We're donating a caravan to a lady who's still recovering from the Tathra fire [March 2018] and still in the process of rebuilding," Mick said.

Now the SJASC is adding mental health to its long list of community help.

"We're trying to develop something sustainable on mental health, something that may be there for three or four years," Mick said.