Highlands firefighters played host to two special guests this week.
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Governor-General of Australia David Hurley and Her Excellency Linda Hurley visited firefighters at Balmoral, Buxton and Hill Top on Monday.
Buxton deputy captain Helen Fenning said Mr and Mrs Hurley received a briefing on several of the recent fires.
"Our superintendent Martin Surrey started the proceedings with a map explaining the history of the Green Wattle Creek fire. Then following through with the Morton fire that came over the Shoalhaven," she said.
"That gave David Hurley and Mrs Hurley the opportunity to understand the behaviour of that fire and the enormity of it. Then there was an opportunity for the members to speak to them."
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The Governor-General documented his visit on social media.
"Like so many places in Australia these communities have endured great loss and hardship over the summer," Mr Hurley said on Facebook.
"The recovery and rebuild will take a long time and, for many, the pain and heartbreak is still very real.
"However, the Governor-General and Mrs Hurley were impressed with the spirit, evident support for each other and the way the recovery is progressing.
"They met with residents, thanked those involved in the initial response and were briefed about rebuilding efforts."