Lead by Gunnible Pastoral Company, Jobs Australia, Gunnedah Anglican Church and Rotary Club of Gunnedah, a fundraising effort to help those affected was quickly put together to raise more than $4500.

The funds, including a $2000 donation from Jobs Australia, went to support Leslie Pailate and his family, whose home was damaged during the cyclone.

The Pailate family’s connection to Gunnedah stretches back many years to when they were working for Gunnible Pastoral Company as fruit pickers and regularly attending church services at the Gunnedah Anglican Church.

Senior church minister Scott Dunlop said the community was happy to support the family.

“It's terrific to have the support of a good family when you are in need and a good church family is no different to that, so it's been great to see that happening in the Tongan situation,” Mr Dunlop said. 

“We know them fairly well as they used to attend services very regularly, so once people were made aware support and funds came in quiet quickly.”

Mr Dunlop said the $4500 would help the Pailates rebuild their home after the cyclone.

“We're a church that seeks to show Jesus’ love in practical ways to those in need, so when the Tongans were in need people showed generosity which is great,” he said.

Rotary Club of Gunnedah president Wendy Marsh said getting involved in the fundraiser was “the least we could do”.

“Some of our members have dealt with the family in the past and they had sung for us at one of our events in the past so they are well known to us,” Mrs Marsh said.

“They sing beautifully and are an honest, humble hard-working family.

“Given how lucky and fortunate we are here, lending a hand to a family after they’ve been through a cyclone is the least we can do.”