A community already worn down by bushfires, floods and COVID-19 faces more uncertainty due to a drawn-out manhunt, but locals hope a million-dollar reward will help ease tensions.
Porepunkah residents have felt shock, grief and frustration since Dezi Freeman allegedly killed two police officers at a property outside the town on August 26, residents say.
The 56-year-old remains on the run, evading police, who have warned he might be receiving help from local supporters to stay hidden.
Alpine Shire Council Mayor Sarah Nicholas said some residents felt unease with the idea of an accused gunman being assisted by others in the community.
"Originally, there was a few people who were a bit offended by that," she told AAP.
"Although now they have offered the extraordinarily high reward, the c