Photographer Matthew Abbott's photograph of a kangaroo hopping in front of a house engulfed by flames at Lake Conjola was published in the New York Times and has since become the most globally-recognised image of the disaster.

It's estimated more than a billion animals have perished and threatened species such as our iconic koalas, eastern ground parrot, southern corroboree frog, long-footed potoroo and the brush-tailed rock wallaby have had their populations decimated.

In response, self-confessed animal lover and Beach Hotel venue supervisor Claire Hamilton will host a sewing bee at the Merewether pub from 4pm Tuesday to make pouches for animals injured in the fires.

Hamilton is looking for people to donate new or clean pillow cases, ideally made from 100 per cent natural fibre.

"Anyone who can sew is also welcome to participate in the sewing bee or even help cut patterns with us," she said. "I am hoping to end up with around 100 pouches across 10 sizes."

BACK when Topics was a University of Newcastle student we simply relied on pizza deliveries to make a crust.

These days, however, some students seemingly have greater expenses (it's no doubt all that smashed avo).

As reported on page 9 of the Herald today Newcastle ranked seventh among Australian universities for the number of students (326) who were "sugar babies" in 2019.

In case you're wondering, sugar babies are people, predominantly young women, who are paid money for a relationship with a "sugar daddy". What that relationship entails is up to the people involved.

Critics claim it's merely prostitution, while others say it's a useful way of covering increasing expenses such as education.

If there are any loaded "sugar mummas" out there, Topics would be happy to provide you with our bank details.