A simple chat and a bite to eat has gone a long way to boost the morale of those directly impacted by the recent bushfire crisis.
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The Rapid Relief Team visited Taree on Wednesday, December 18 to provide support to bushfire victims and the wider community.
Dubbed Operation Fire Relief, about 20 volunteers provided a barbecue lunch, coffees and conversations in Queen Elizabeth Park.
Operations manager Lester Sharples said the 20 strong group was thrilled to spread goodwill among the community leading into Christmas.
"It's a new initiative designed to bring a morale boost to fire affected communities," Lester explained.
"They're able to come out and spend time with their neighbours, some they might not have seen for a while.
"We chat with them and make them feel welcome while they have our signature burgers and coffees."
Before the event, bushfire victims registered online to receive a gift voucher worth $1000, a food box (which can feed a family of four for two days) and a children's toy of the operation's mascot Cookie the Kookaburra.
The operation is self funded through the Plymouth Christian Brethren Christian Church.
"Lots of donations have come through the church," Lester said.
This was the second stop on the journey after the operation kicked off in Yeppoon in Queensland.
Wauchope will be the next stop on December 19 before Nambucca Heads, Kempsey, Coffs Harbour, Grafton, Tenterfield and Hawkesbury in January.
Volunteers didn't hesitate to sign up for the 'relief tour'.
"All volunteers are part of the church," Lester said. "When we put the call out, they were lining up at the door."
Those who have lost their home can still register at www.rapidreliefteam.org/fire-relief-registration/ to receive a voucher.
Donations to the cause can also be made on the website.
