The bushfire crisis that gripped Australia in the latter half of 2019 through to 2020 was devastating for many people.
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But for Melissa O'Dwyer it was especially heartbreaking.
Her husband, Horsley Park Rural Fire Brigade volunteer Andrew O'Dwyer, 36, died fighting the Green Wattle Creek fire when the truck he was in rolled and hit a tree on Wilson Drive, Buxton.
Deputy Captain Geoffrey Keaton, 32, also died in the incident.
Now Mr O'Dwyer's family have stepped up to organise a fundraising event in support of his grieving wife and young daughter, Charlotte.
Event organiser and cousin of Mrs O'Dwyer, Nichole Rogers, said the family fun day to be held at Mawson Park in Campbelltown on March 27 would be a great day out.
"I initially reached out to my good friend Wesley at First National Pinnacle to see if there was anyway we could help Melissa and Charlotte after the tragic loss of Andrew," she said.
"Wesley and his team came up with the suggestion of a fundraising event and we started working on it right away.
"It will be a fun afternoon with live entertainment, raffles, auctions, a barbecue, face painting, games and more."
The event will start at 3.30pm.
Ms Rogers said Andrew's death had been heartbreaking for the entire family.
"There have been many lives lost [throughout the fire season] and our hearts go out to all the families that have suffered these tragic losses," she said.
"I wish I could do more for each and every one that has been affected by the ferocious fires.
"I hope by getting our community together we can raise funds for Melissa and Charlotte to help ease the financial burden they are now faced with since the passing of Andrew.
"We would love for everyone to come along and enjoy a family friendly afternoon - 100 per cent of the monies raised will go directly to Melissa and baby Charlotte."
Mrs O'Dwyer said she felt "overwhelmed and blessed" to have had so much support since Andrew's death.
"It feels very comforting seeing businesses, organisations and community members getting behind us during this difficult time," she said.
"I'm speechless by everyone's generosity.
"From the bottom of my heart I want to thank everyone for supporting this event and for making it happen, we are very blessed to have so many amazing people around us."
Wollondilly Council hope to build a memorial to honour the fallen firefighter's at Telopea Park in Buxton.
Mrs O'Dwyer said she thought the memorial was a great idea.
"Andrew and Geoff gave the ultimate sacrifice to help others and they deserve to be remembered and honoured as heroes," she said.
"I just want to thank everyone for their generosity, love and support they have shown to make all this possible."
Organisers of the O'Dwyer family fundraiser are still looking for donations and sponsors.
Contact Nichole on 0478 181 322 or Belinda on 0433 655 178 or Belinda@fnpinnacle.com.au for more information.
Details: facebook.com/AndrewODwyerMemorial.