The first box of new-season Batlow apples is being auctioned online to help rebuild after the devastating January bushfires.
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The auction, listed on eBay, is a collaborative effort between Batlow Apples and Batlow Cider and rugby union legend Sharni Williams, who has been fundraising to help her home town.
The Country Women's Association has agreed to help distribute the money raised.
By Friday morning, there had been 42 bids with the price for 12 kilograms of apples having reached $1275.
"There was an amazing effort by locals and RFS to fight the fire and they managed to reduce the destruction down to 20 homes being lost and 20 per cent of the apple orchards in the region," Ms Williams said.
"But the fires had a really devastating impact on the town and on most of the apple orchards and everyone knows Batlow is the apple capital of Australia and the town is famous for its apples.
"We've been doing as much fundraising as possible after the fires because we don't just want Batlow to recover, we want to see it reinvigorated and back better than ever.
"This auction is another way we are hoping to raise funds that will go directly to help the community in Batlow and everyone who had their livelihoods impacted by the bushfires," Ms Williams said.
Batlow Fruit Company director and local grower Greg Mouat said growers were proud to harvest the new season royal gala apples.
"Our growers and the industry need help with their recovery and also to ensure the long-term viability and sustainability of the apple growing industry in Batlow, and raising funds using our new season apples at auction is a great way we can help the Batlow community with their long recovery from these fires," Mr Mouat said.
The auction closes at 5pm on Monday.
