On January 1, 2020, Barbara Rugendyke surveyed the destruction of her home in Cobargo, NSW, after devastating fires ignited on New Year's Eve, resulting in significant loss of life and property.

The 2019-2020 fire season was the most severe recorded in New South Wales, causing an estimated $10 billion in damages, destroying over 3,000 homes, and leading to the deaths of 33 people, alongside the displacement of 3 billion animals.

Five years later, Barbara and her family have rebuilt their home but reflect on the profound changes in their outlook on life, emphasizing the unpredictability of the future.

This catastrophic event affected 7% of the state, leaving widespread community trauma and long-lasting psychological impacts.

Many survivors, particularly children, have reported significant psychological trauma, experiencing anxiety and nightmares related to the fires, as highlighted by families like the Mahers.

Survivors like David Wilson and Kyle Moser are still living in temporary accommodations, facing difficulties with local builders and high material costs as they attempt to rebuild.

Community responses following the fires varied, with approximately one-third of affected individuals moving away, one-third choosing to rebuild, and another third still undecided about their future.

While some community members have relocated due to high rents and ongoing trauma, others have found purpose in advocating for safer building practices and environmental changes.

Despite the challenges, many survivors express resilience and hope, with stories of rebuilding efforts and community support demonstrating a path toward healing and recovery.

Generosity from the public post-fires was immense, but survivors also faced challenges such as looting and the insensitivity of 'bushfire tourists' during their recovery process.

Cobargo's main street, once devastated, is now a construction site as the Rebuild Cobargo project continues to face delays and challenges, including contamination issues and funding constraints.