In addition to operating as an evacuation centre, the hall kitchen manned by a team of rotating volunteers is producing hundreds of meals a day. The meals are being consumed not only onsite but also packaged up to be delivered by the Salvation Army's Joel Soper to those on the firefront.

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One volunteer commented on how well the operation is being managed, with Wendy Roots, Mandy Craig and Bianca Wicks at the helm.

Like most of the volunteers Mrs Roots also has other responsibilities to juggle, in her case Taylor's Cafe in town. She said she opens the shop, then comes down to the hall to organise sandwiches and preparation for meals, then returns to work at the shop.

She may get three or four hours sleep, if she's lucky, and does it all over again. But she's happy to be doing her bit (and then some) for the firefighters.

The organisers are being assisted by volunteers who have just come along to the hall, ready to do whatever task needs doing. They've been helped by students who have been packing up the snack bags distributed to firefighters from the Fire Control Centre in Francis Street at the beginning of each day.

Those on the receiving end have expressed their gratitude. A crew from Port Stephens, who left for home on Wednesday after their five-day stint, thanked the volunteers.

"They've waited on us hand-and-foot," Simone Taylor said.

"We can't thank them enough. The kids helping have been absolutely amazing as well."