Community spirit shone bright in Port Stephens across the Australia Day weekend with many digging deep to raise more than $13,000 for bushfire appeals.
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About $6500 was raised on Saturday through a series of strongman challenges in Medowie, which will go to Rural Fire Brigades across Port Stephens, while on Sunday, at Australia Day community events, $4800 was raised in Nelson Bay and a further $2000 in Lemon Tree Passage.
"The generous community helped us raise approximately $2000 for the Australian Lions Bushfire Appeal where every dollar is used, where it is supposed to go with no administration costs," Tilligerry Lions Club member Kevin Colman said.
More than 400 people enjoyed the Tilligerry Australia Day breakfast and entertainment in Henderson PArk on Sunday.
Mr Colman said that highlights included the Newcastle Army Band and the free children's activities.
Nelson Bay Australia Day Committee chairman Doug Cross said that thousands of people tolerated hot temperatures on Sunday to enjoy the community celebrations at Fly Point.
"Many of the stalls and vendors agreed to collect money for our firefighters. By the day's end a total of $3300 had been donated to Salamander Rotary, which was distributed equally among RFS brigades at Anna Bay, Soldiers Point and Fingal Bay," he said.
"The Australia Day committee added $1500 in a show of tremendous support and thanks to our tireless volunteers."
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