Stories of both survival and devastation continue to emerge following the New Year's Eve fires.
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As Lilli Pilli resident Georgie Rowley said, everyone was fighting their own battles, protecting homes, rushing to evacuate and running to help others. She named Andy of Malua Bay a local hero after a selfless act to help save her Malua Bay home.
Ms Rowley said her tenant evacuated to the beach and she expected to find the house in ruins.
Andy watched his own home go up in flames and then focused on what was next in front of him.
"It was my house that was in front of him," Ms Rowley said.
"Andy had lost his home and came to the rescue with a couple of other fellows to save my house."
Ms Rowley wanted to return the favour.
"There has been a small crew assisting him, Martyn, Orit and myself, two people from Canberra came down along with three German guys for the day," she said.
Ms Rowley helped source a van and has kept in touch with Andy, assisting with various grants and crisis assistance. She said Andy had been camping on his burnt-out property.
"He's still sleeping rough," she said.
Andy only just regained power on Tuesday, February 4.
Ms Rowley said a camper van, donated by Caboolture Rotary was on its way: "We have cleared an area at the bottom of his property and are waiting on its arrival."
"We also sourced a composting camp toilet for him."
It has been Australia's lost summer. Drought, hail, floods and, worst of all, bushfires have ravaged communities all over the nation. But the selfless actions of friends, family, neighbours, strangers, local groups and volunteer organisations have inspired us and strengthened the bonds of community. Please join us in saying thanks to the heroes of the home front by sharing your stories of gratitude. To salute a person or a group, please use the form below.