The family of John Smith, who died in the South Coast fires, has thanked the community for its support, with more than $30,000 raised for them.
Mr Smith, 71, died after he went to defend his Bodalla property on December 30. He left his adoring wife Josie and their daughter Emerald, 10.
An Australia Day fundraiser at The Dock in Kingston and a GoFundMe fundraiser has so far raised more than $33,000 for the mother and daughter, who have expressed their appreciation. They say the support has helped them "to continue living our lives without the man of our life".
"Your kindness is beyond measure and will always remind us there is hope even in time of greatest sorrow," Josie wrote in a thank you note to all who had helped.
The Dock co-owners, siblings Jane and Glen Collins, grew up in Moruya and knew the family.
