The Royal Hotel was chosen to host the social event as part of a drought relief road trip through rural NSW for Drought Angels.

The event was organised by outback photographer and rural ambassador, Edwina Robertson and Channel 7 TV presenter Sammie O'Brien who said the pub was "iconic" in the area.

Pub co-owner Tom Archer it was a "good community night" and folks flowed in from Gunnedah, Blackville, Quirindi, Premer, Tambar Springs and Currabubula for free drinks, thanks to corporate sponsors in Sydney and Toowoomba who "couldn't get over how friendly people were".

"It was a great ... light-hearted," he said.

"Everyone kicked around and talked amongst themselves ... people caught up with people they hadn't seen in months."

Mr Archer said the highlight was seeing the pub full, "everyone happy and to see the younger generation".

"t makes you realise what you're fighting for," he said.

"It was pretty evident when you look at it - the bush is still strong, the younger generation is still strong, and we're all sitting here waiting for it to rain.

"Spring Ridge is always about community. We are our own little community, which is probably one of our strengths."

Locals set aside their own woes for the night and raised funds for bush fire victims through the Quirindi Lions Club's barbecue.

"It's pretty generous, little Spring Ridge... they tend to dig deep when they can," Mr Archer said.

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