A grassroots effort to support fire-affected farmers dubbed "Rotary emergency fencing" is ensuring Corryong farmers get practical and emotional support.
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The Rotary Club of Belvoir-Wodonga took hay to the region on January 2 and saw a need for emergency fencing assistance.
Member Barry Membrey took on the coordinator role and said other Rotary clubs and community groups had quickly become involved to set up a base at the Corryong Showgrounds last Monday.
"My daughter put it on Facebook and we took about 200 phone calls from people offering to volunteer and we put them all on spreadsheets," he said.
"It's awe-inspiring to see the way these people who don't know each other have just gone to work.
"We knew we had farms to go to from our first day on Monday morning.
"Some of the farmers' emotions are pretty up and down and we do have the support of a psychologist that we've referred three people to.
"It's a resilient community, but help along the way is good."
Wodonga couple Sue and Chris Phillips were among 11 teams out on properties on Sunday, their group helping cattle farmer Trevor Klippel.
"We had 12 on our team and most have said they're coming back next weekend," she said.
"We've got the ability to go home and have a shower and forget what we've done for the day, they can't.
"These guys are the lifeblood of the country - if they walk off, we starve."
The majority of Mr Klippel's 1100 acres at Corryong have been wiped out and he has lost 65 cattle.
"It feels like yesterday that the fire came through," he said.
"I don't how many kilometres of fencing I have to fix ... the main aim is to get an area done to use for containment so the cattle aren't roaming.
"The best donation is these guys coming in giving manual labour."
Additional to the 200 registered volunteers, some who are camping at the showgrounds, are the people doing catering.
Rebuild Upper Murray has donated resources and Scots School Albury and Westmont Baranduda food, with many other groups providing support.
Mr Membrey said it was hoped BlazeAid would take over from the Rotary-led activities.
"We're waiting to hear when that might happen," he said.
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"We've had school teachers, retired people, and fencing contractors, there might be seven or eight paragliders that usually paraglide have come to help."
The Phillips have owned a farm and know what it's like to lose stock and battle through tough times.
"Even if we're not doing much, it's that moral support to show someone cares about them," he said.
Volunteers and financial donations are most needed - contact Mr Membrey on 0400 872 799.
