'A lot of anguish out there': lessons from Black Summer

The trauma of the Black Summer bushfires lingers in communities on the NSW south coast. (James Gourley/AAP PHOTOS)

Beryl is a kindly grandmother wrapping her arms around loved ones in a time of need.

That's how NSW south coast local Colin Dunn has come to think of a converted shipping container dubbed Beryl, which is being used to connect communities ravaged by the Black Summer bushfires.