MACLEAY Island residents gave generously during fundraising events held on the weekend to benefit the Salvation Army fire disaster appeal.
More than $12,500 was raised for bushfire victims during two events organised by the Macleay Island Progress Association and Lions Club.
Fundraising initiatives included art auctions, live performances from local bands and a barbecue.
Events were held at Willow and Oak fruit and vegetable store and the Progress Hall.
Macleay Island Progress Association president Robin Harris said the art auction was the weekend's biggest fundraiser, with $6468 raised through the sale of paintings, sculptures and other locally produced artwork.
"Macleay Island Arts Complex members and many other island artists were exceedingly generous in their donations of artwork, as were the bidders in their purchases," he said.
"A prime example of this generosity was (Ruth Venner's) donation of a framed Beatus on vellum with 23 carrot gold leaf and shell gold based on a 10th century manuscript.
"The item fetched $700 and was just one of several very high quality works which received high and generous bids from islanders."
A performance from local band Shapeshifters raised $2500 on Friday night.
A meat free lunch at the Progress Hall on Saturday raised a further $1506, while a barbecue hosted by the Macleay Island Lions raised $250.
Swampfish and Johnny Dee provided the soundbites for the day.
Mr Harris said the turn out was impressive given the events were organised in less than a week.
"The entire event demonstrated not only the concern of islanders for fellow Australians seriously affected by bushfires, but the exceptional quality of our local creative community and the ability of our people to respond to events," Mr Harris said.
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