But after fire engulfed their newly-renovated property in Elingamite, near Terang, the couple have been left with nothing but their dog and toothbrushes. 

Brynley’s brother-in-law James Heffey, of Wodonga, is determined the couple who give so freely, won’t be alone and unsupported during this trying time.

He has sent up a gofundme page, Brynley and Bec’s fire relief fund, to help them financially and so they can see the support around them.

“It goes beyond donations of cash, in a time like this you feel lonely I guess, having that support – especially from Brynley’s home town – makes all the difference,” he said. “I’ve never heard Brynley speak with the tone of voice he had after the fires, he was gutted.”

The former Mitta footballer and his wife were at a friend’s birthday when Rebecca’s dad called to tell her about the Terang fire.

Later, they watched, via a neighbour’s video on Facebook, as flames engulfed and gutted their home.

“That’s when we knew it was all gone,” Rebecca said.

“It was absolutely devastating.

Nothing can prepare you for that, even though you’ve left your property thinking maybe this might be the last time I step foot in this house.”

Earlier in the night, the birthday celebration was interrupted by pagers going off and Ecklin firefighters rushing off.

“That’s when I realised we were in some danger. We never really actually thought it would get to us,” she said.

The pair raced under the glow of orange skies to grab their dog and a few items before taking shelter at Brynley’s father’s property at Ecklin.

When it was no longer safe to stay there they headed to Warrnambool.

Mr Heffey said although Brynley had lost everything, he was still helping save his father’s house and others nearby.

Rebecca said she was amazed by the courage of firefighters who might not have been able save their newly-renovated house but had saved so many lives.

“For us, driving around in that, trying to get out of there, to see how a firefighter would drive towards that is beyond belief,” she said.

“It’s just incredible. They are amazing.”