Organiser Jesse Gardner, who cut his family's annual Mallcoota holiday short when the fires approached, said almost 300 people put their hands in their pockets for the Victoria Bushfire Appeal and Warrior 4 Wildlife charities.

"It was a really good day," he said. "It was mostly packed for the last half of it and there was some generous donations from some individuals but everyone was really generous."

Charity auctions of local band's music merchandise attracted high prices.

"You could have bought a merchandise pack (with Blackthorn and Mick Thomas CDs and shirts) for about $80 but one went for $330," Gardner said.

"Mick Thomas' song list went for $90, that's just a piece of paper with songs written on it."

The Gardner family's caravan and belongs are still in Mallacoota after they decided to leave as soon as they were told to. Some of his family that weren't able to evacuate in time are still in Mallacoota.

"They're keeping in good spirits, they are trying to enjoy what they can," Gardner said.

"Not many made it out. At the town meeting on (December 30), they said it was likely to hit tonight and there was probably only a small opportunity (to leave).

"By the time some had decided, they had blocked the road. There were others who (decided to) pack up who couldn't make it out."

Sunday's STAGEhand concert was quickly supported by local musicians and producers.

"We knew people would help out," Gardner said. "We just were not expecting everyone to do it all at once.

"The PA was a signifcant system that had to be bought in and was a four-person operation to man it.

Eric Ladd Studios recorded everything and Cornerstone Media filmed it. So we will come out with good full multi-track recording and see how that pans out. We would love to keep cash flowing."

SUNDAY: Jesse Gardner and his family were only two nights into their annual holiday at Mallacoota when bushfires pushed them to leave.

After attending a town meeting at which people were warned the fire was due to hit that same day, Jesse and his family hit the road, leaving their caravan and belongings behind.

Jesse's friend and fellow band member Roy Lever, from local band Blackthorn, felt they had to do something to help those affected, so they decided to organise a gig to raise money for bushfire relief.

Related: How a Bendigo woman is helping bushfire-affected businesses

In a week they have put together STAGEhand, a show with six acts - including Mick Thomas from Weddings, Parties, Anything; Four Lions; Mast Gully Fellers; Oombah; Band of Cloud; and Blackthorn - taking place on Sunday afternoon at the Rifle Brigade Hotel in View Street.

All proceeds from the show will go towards the Victorian Bushfire Appeal and Warriors 4 Wildlife.

Roy said all involved in the show - from musicians to sound technicians to the venue - had been great in helping out.

"Everyone we asked to do anything... just said yes," he said.

He said they chose the beneficiaries they did as they were causes close to their hearts.

The Victorian Bushfire Appeal has been established by the state government, Bendigo Bank and the Salvation Army, with 100 per cent of donations going towards affected communities.

Related: How you can help bushfire victims | Events, fundraisers

Meanwhile, Warriors 4 Wildlife is providing care to affected animals.

Jesse said his close call did not affect the way his family felt about Mallacoota, a place they had been visiting for years.

"It's not going to stop us going back," he said.

STAGEhand is taking place at the Rifle Brigade Hotel on Sunday, January 12 until 7pm.

The Rifle will continue collecting donations for the appeal beyond Sunday.

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