Melissa Cook grew up in Mudgee, which where she retreated to as fires encroached on the Tumut area - but while here, decided to do her part for those worst affected by the disaster.
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Although hopeful that her own home won't be struck, she thought it best to leave, but the sight of those nearby who've lost everything resonated.
A freelance photographer, Melissa thought about what she could do to help. With the year still young, calendars are currently one of the major parts of her business - and prior to Christmas she sold them to help a friend undergoing medical treatment.
So until the end of February, 50 per cent of all sales through her website rustyphotography.net - calendars, photos and prints - will be donated to those affected by the bush fires. She said she's not making money from this - with the remainder covering costs - and upon her return south will be working to find out who's most in need.
"The people who are basically walking out with their clothes on their backs, they're who I would like to help, because that's going to be the area most in need," Melissa said.
"When I realised the situation with the fires I came [to Mudgee] to be out of the road, because I couldn't do anything to help there.
"But I knew that I can help to raise money for people. Fifty percent of everything will be donated and what's left is enough to cover costs and maintain orders.
"I'm just trying to do what I can, I don't need a lot of money to get by on and there are people out there who have nothing - I'll at least have a home to go back to."
While in the region, Melissa sold calendars - going shop to shop and at local pubs - and "had a wonderful response from the amazing people of Mudgee".
"I was just asking people if they'd like to buy a calendar, but then they just began giving money as a donation - which was unexpected, but beautiful," she said.
Calendars and prints, of a variety of subject matter, can be ordered online. With the calendars also available at Mudgee Newagency. Some such as the popular 'Snowy Mountain Huts Calendar', feature areas that would've been impacted by bush fires since photographed.
