Despite a hectic schedule, Hughes took every possible opportunity to return home.
'He'd always come home and say g'day to everyone, he'd always go with his dad down to the RSL, or The Star Hotel or The Nambucca Hotel to catch up with everyone and have a bit of a punt,' Mr Welsh said.
'No matter what happened, Phil never changed. He was so funny.'
The town is covered in beautiful tributes, with photographs of their beloved 'Boofa' and messages, including one promising 'we are all teammates now.'
In two days, a tribute book has already collected more than 1000 signatures from locals, in a town with a population of 'around 3000'.
'We've already needed to buy a new book! Everyone's pulling together for the family,' said Mr Welsh.
'Phil idolised his mum and dad and they idolised him. They had a wonderful relationship.'
The local community were a constant support for Phil, through his ups and downs as he fought for his place in the Australian team.
'When Phil came back from England a big crew of people went up to Brisbane, hoping to see him play.
'He didn't make it but oh, that was life. We were still so excited,' said Mr Welsh.
With tears in his eyes, their family friend says nothing will stop the people from Macksville playing cricket like they used to with Phil.
In his family's statement, they explained that their son 'lived for cricket'.
'Phil wouldn't have wanted the game to change,' says their friend.
'He loved a short ball. He'd want the game to go on.'
