As traffic came to a halt on January 2 thousands of tourists attempting evacuate the South Coast were left stranded between Milton and Termeil.
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Accounts of individuals and service organisation's efforts to feed and support people trying to get home spread across social media, and one Ulladulla family has been recognised by a stranded Sydney family for their hospitality.
Kath Petsoglu, her husband and three sons were leaving from south of Bawley Point for home, in Sydney, when they became part traffic jam that stretched for kilometres from Milton through Ulladulla and further south.
"We realised very quickly we weren't going anywhere," she said.
Kath eventually made the roundabout on Parson Street and headed along St Vincent Street to find a park in the Milton Ulladulla Bowling Club car park.
As the lone driver, due to her husband's injury, Kath was in need of a nap in case the road opened later that evening. Kath's husband left for Coles to find some dinner for the family.
Meanwhile a good Samaritan noticed the family, left his beer on a table at the club and walked over.
"We weren't there long when John Sneddon approached us saying that he and wife Therese lived close by, their boys had all grown and moved on and they would be happy to offer us beds for the night."
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Therese arrived immediately to say the offer was genuine and the parties exchanged number.
"We parted with John saying he was going back in for a beer but the offer's genuine."
The family registered at the Civic Centre and were fed and watered by "wonderful locals".
"There was a really great vibe in the community centre, people were lovely," she said.
While waiting patiently for an update, mayor Amanda Findley then informed those seeking refuge that the Princes Highway would remain closed into the early hours of the morning.
The family decided to take up the offer.
"Therese messaged me at the same time saying the offer stood," Kath said.
After a long day, the weary travellers settled at the Sneddon's home.
"We were handed a cold beer. The kids had the Netflix remote. It really felt like we had known these people for a long, long time."
The family left early the next day, getting say goodbye to John before they headed home. When they returned home they reflected on the generous spirit of people in Ulladulla during hard times.
"It was a lovely reminder of the generosity of humans. Thank you Therese and John Sneddon."