Prime Minister Scott Morrison has thanked Walwa firefighters for saving their town in an emotional phone call on Saturday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Deputy PM Michael McCormack and Environment Minister Sussan Ley were with crews who had just returned from the fire ground when Mr Morrison called.
He was put on loud speaker and had this message for the exhausted firefighters.
"Your selfless and quiet service is an inspiration to me, to Michael and to the whole team," he said.
IN OTHER NEWS:
"As I think of what you've done overnight I all of a sudden feel quite overcome - that is how the whole country is feeling and they're all feeling it with you.
"They are very proud of what you are doing and what you do is going to continue to spur Michael and I and Sussan and everyone else to go and get done what needs to be done in the future."
Mr Morrison said they aren't going to get distracted by all the "noise and rubbish and crap".
"You can focus on what you've got to do and I give you my absolute commitment that is what I and Michael and Susan are going to do.
"Thanks guys you are a credit to your country and your community."
Crews thanked the PM before inviting to "come have a beer".
"We are having one now," they said.