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Ex-Bachelor star Matty J and his fiancée, Laura Byrne have given thanks to firefighters after they were caught up in the catastrophic bushfires in NSW over the New Year’s break.
WATCH: Bushfire residents see their burnt-down home for the first time
The reality TV couple were holidaying in the south coast town of Mollymook when they were trapped by the fires.
Laura said their family was stuck without electricity or reception for days, as roads to the area were closed off as fires tore through the area.
“We have just spent the last few days with no electricity, no phone reception, breathing through thick smoke in Mollymook with all roads in and out of the area closed, and yet we are so immensely lucky. Just a few kilometres away from us there were families who lost everything,” Laura wrote on Instagram, alongside a snap of Matty looking out onto the smoke-filled beach.
“Instead of saying “Happy New Years” I hope that you are safe, I hope you have a warm home filled with precious memories and you can kiss your loved ones goodnight tonight,” she concluded.
However, Laura and Matty were also criticised by fans for holidaying in the bushfire-ravaged area.
One local wondered why the family would holiday in the affected areas when authorities advised holidaymakers against it.
“Why did you go to begin with? The fires had already started. All for a little ‘break’ that you could have been patient enough for to go next year,” wrote the local resident.
“We as locals have no resources now during this horrible time and we can’t help but be so annoyed that tourists would not listen to the warnings (especially with a newborn!!!!!!)”
Laura responded with an apologetic message.
“It’s truly awful and I’m so sorry for the situation that you’re in we didn’t fully understand how bad it was until New Year’s Eve,” she replied. “In retrospect we absolutely should have left sooner. I am from the South Coast and have been down there with family since Christmas. We have sent money to the RFS [Rural Fire Service] and hope that you get access to all the resources that you need now that the roads are reopended.”
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