And then all hell broke loose.

The Macksville Gift has come across some stumbling blocks during its 65 years, but the fury and all-encompassing nature of the region's firestorm on November 8 was something noone could outrun.

Many of the event's officials and athletes had been caught south of Forster when the fire swept across the highway, blocking passage for days.

And the smoke was rolling into Macksville thick and fast.

The announcement came through at 11.26pm on the evening before the event that the Gift was to be postponed.

Although not ideal, the organisers were hoping to make the best of a bad situation and continue to hold the kids' races and family fun activities, with donations taken at the gate "to assist local families affected by these devastating fires".

But the next day the smoke didn't lift and it was decided it was too dangerous for children to be running in the conditions.

It was a devastating blow to the committee - several of whom had only just taken up the mantle after long-serving volunteers had stepped down following the milestone 65^th event.

"Our apologies to athletes who were travelling to this year's Gift. Information regarding a rescheduled date will be posted as soon as it's confirmed," they said.

Last week the committee met to discuss the future of the 2019 event.

With NSW Athletic League's (NSWAL) racing calendar nearing capacity, there were only two possible future dates to choose from if they wished to reschedule.

Both dates were in February and neither allowed for the use of the Alan Gillett Oval, it being booked for other activities.

"We had to choose one of those dates or cancel altogether - which we didn't want to do," publicity officer Jamie Daley said.

Thankfully, local athletic legend Ritchie Donovan came to the table with a workable solution - on February 29, the 66th Macksville Gift will be run in Scotts Head.

"It's been a long two weeks for our community. Thankyou for your support and patience at this time," the committee said.

There will be many things to iron out between now and the end of February: accommodation for travelling athletes and officials; the possibility of shuttle buses; the lack of lighting on the Buz Brazel Oval which will necessitate a truncated or earlier-starting program.

The change of venue also sadly means the fireworks will have to be nixed.

But Jamie said there are also some silver linings. She's excited about involving the Scotts Head community, who could bring a new energy to the event.

The kids' races will be on like Donkey Kong, and there'll still be plenty of activities for families to enjoy.

And with a meet date much later in the season and closer to the illustrious Stawell Gift, we could see athletes arriving in peak condition and clocking some times never seen before in the Nambucca Valley.

The NSWAL committee has also said the change of date might open up possibilities for athletes to attend who couldn't get here for the November date.

"For those who cannot attend a full refund of entry fees will occur up until 22 February so please email nswal@nswal.org.au with your bank account details and the amount paid and a refund will occur," the NSWAL committee said.

"For those who have entered and still wish to compete all you will need to do is attend on the day.

"Let's support a great carnival and a community that has done it tough over the last few weeks."

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