Following the Black Summer of 2019/20, Cobargo has benefited from the many helping hands of BlazeAid volunteers.
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BlazeAid recently celebrated its first year in the district, the organisation busy repairing fence lines on around 140 properties within the area so far.
One of the key elements in BlazeAid's contribution to property owners is the clearing of debris and timber before re-building them.
Camp coordinator Jude Turner said the biggest challenge they are facing at the moment is gaining access to the damaged fences due to overgrown grass and vegetation.
"Although it was a dirty job in the early days clearing burnt fence lines, there was nothing in the way. Now we have a year of growth in vegetation around the fence lines," Ms Turner said.
Ms Turner said BlazeAid had been fully supported and welcomed by the Cobargo community.
"Barely a day goes by when somebody doesn't drop off cakes or a case of beer to say thanks," she said.
Ms Turner said the work they provide for the community is the opportunity to make an immediate positive impact on people's lives.
"A lot of our property owners have said that they felt helpless and hopeless, not knowing where to start until BlazeAid turned up.
"Then when you see a group of people from all around the world get out of a car to come help build a fence for you, it is very uplifting.
"The biggest thing we have given them is hope," said Ms Turner.
By the time BlazeAid will have finished in Cobargo, it will be the longest commitment the organisation has made to a community.
The Macksville camp on the north coast will close shortly, 15 months after the fires they had in November 2019.
BlazeAid began with the idea that "grey nomads" could help support communities in their travels. However, the camp set up in Cobargo features all volunteers from all walks of life.
Volunteers have come from places such as the Blue Mountains and even overseas, as well as from closer to home and the Eurobodalla.
A large number of backpackers have come to help in Cobargo with bushfire recovery work counting for holiday visa days.
Not just helping rebuild fences, but helping to rebuild lives.
- BlazeAid creed
The length and frequency of volunteered work within BlazeAid Cobargo changes from person to person.
Ssome may come up for the day, while others may stay several, volunteers are welcome stay as long as they'd like Ms Turner said.
"BlazeAid founder Kevin Butler sees that the Cobargo community still needs us and he is committed to us having a presence into the future," she said.
