How do you adequately thank those brave, selfless volunteers who put their lives at risk to help others?
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You hold a fund-raiser.
It was an almost spur of the moment decision - after Tuncurry resident Michael Pazzo feared he might lose his home during Saturday night's terrifying bushfire emergency - to raise money for local volunteers.
Michael, who lives with his young family near the heart of the bushfire, couldn't believe its speed and ferocity.
One minute Michael and his children were checking out the unfolding drama and seemingly the next, embers were flying through the afternoon sky igniting the tops of trees.
For the next 3-4 hours Michael hosed down his house, which was 50 metres from one of the many burn sites.
Michael said he had seen bushfires before, but never experienced anything like last weekend's event.
"It was scary; we were freaking out."
He likened the scene as something straight out of the movie, Terminator.
Michael said he was eternally grateful to the hundreds emergency volunteers who continued throughout the day and night ensuring residents and their properties were safe.
It was scary; we were freaking out.
- Michael Pazzo
"They were incredible."
Following the weekend drama Michael asked: How can we do something for these volunteers?
Michael is just one of hundreds who want to show their appreciation of the volunteers.
Next week, Michael and his mates - Bruno Puglisi and Brendan Twemlow, part of popular local band Humpdaay - with perform at John Wright Park Tuncurry to raise money for local NSW Rural Fire Service, State Emergency Services and The Salvation Army.
In the handful of days since the band members made the decision to hold the fund-raiser they have secured sponsorship from Tuncurry Beach Bowling Club, Harvey Norman, Forster, 2RE, Forster Tuncurry Golf Club and the Great Lakes Advocate.
Harvey Norman has donated a 50 inch TV, while the golf club has contributed two golf packages (game and caddy).
JR Richards has chipped in with garbage bins for the day-time concert, while Tuncurry celebrant Sarah Julian has organised a Go Fund Me Page, which raised $600 within the first 19 hours.
The band also gave a shout-out to council, which has supported them all the way.
The fund-raiser will come in the form of live music from Humpdaay, supported by Jimmy Mac.
"So many people want to thank them in person.
"This will be an opportunity for people to walk up to them and shake their hand.and get a photo."
The cover band, which was formed four years ago, plays an an eclectic mix of mainly dance music stretching back to the nostalgic 60s.
While you're with us:
In typical 'show must go on style' the band which had booked to play in Kempsey on Saturday night, stepped in at the Lakes and Oceans Hotel, Forster when its entertainment couldn't get through due to the bushfires.
The Manning Great Lakes Firefighters Fundraiser, hosted by Humpdaay, will be held on Sunday, November 10 from 11am-5pm in John Wright Park, Tuncurry.