‘Caring for Coolah Inc’ coordinator, Bronwyn Drew, said although the thrift shop has been inundated with donations for fire-affected residents, ongoing support will be needed down the track.

“It’s been a bit overwhelming with support from people all over NSW, now they’re able to get through they’re just rocking up with donations,” she said.

“The generosity of people has just been amazing. Even people who really can’t afford it, they’re doing a little bit but are feeling guilty because they can’t do more – don’t feel guilty!” 

Bronwyn said until the current donations have been sorted through it won’t be known what items are still required, however she hopes to plant the seed for long-term support to help residents as they reestablish. 

“We need time to go through everything to know exactly what people need, but a local councillor mentioned something Dubbo can help with,” she said.

“A lot of these places that have been lost are...how can I put it… they’re houses that have been here for generations.

“Some of these places have been homes for 100 years and they’ve lost their beautiful gardens that generations have worked on.

“Something for down the track is collecting cuttings from old plants, particularly old plants that have been lost in this area – help make the homes look homely again.

“Nine months down the track get them out here to help people get reestablished.

“The immediate support has been fantastic but it’s support we need down the track that’s the big thing.” 

Bronwyn said while the community struggles to come to terms with what’s happened, her small band of dedicated volunteers are doing their best to support them. 

“We’re a fairly tight-knit community and its been hard for people to open up and say we need help,” she said.

“A lot of them aren’t coping, but we’re getting there.

“It’s my community, I’m going to do anything I can to help my community.” 

To contact Bronwyn call 0421 863 882 or email cforc@caringforcoolah.com