According to his aunt, Suzie McEnallay, the popular former Great Lakes College student walked into a situation that was fuelled with anger from a group walking past the apartment block he was staying at in a Broadbeach street in the early hours of Saturday morning

He suffered critical head injuries and spinal fractures which have left him fighting for his life in Gold Coast University Hospital.

Zac, who works as a tree lopper on the Gold Coast, was celebrating his 21^st birthday. Many of his friends had travelled from Forster-Tuncurry for the celebrations.

"This is the day I should be posting a massive happy 21^st birthday to my first baby Zac who made me a mumma and talking about the crazy, naughty, edge of your seat life you live and the roller coaster ride we've had with you," his distraught mum posted on Facebook,

"But , instead I'm sitting in the ICU with you on life support because of one stupid punch from a total stranger; words can't describe my heart right now and how I just want a cuddle from you...fight this fight like you have every other my boy xxx everyone."

Suzie said in true Tina style she had put aside any anger to focus love and attention on Zac.

She is thinking and worried about everybody, including the group who did this terrible thing, Suzie said.

"Tina is worried about their families too, as she is sure the group didn't go out with the intention to put someone in ICU that night"

Overwhelmed and heartened by the amount of support for Zac, Tina has been updating his progress with regular Facebook posts.

"Today (Thursday, December 5) has been our best day yet.

"He has been stable all day and they have been able to reduce most of his medications finally without him reacting badly.

"They are again going to attempt to do an MRI of his brain and spine sometime tomorrow (Friday, December 7) as long as he can lay flat without the pressure in his brain increasing again.

"This will give us a picture of his spinal injuries and a plan for them.

"It will also give us insight into his brain injuries but the biggest indicator of his brain will be over the coming days and weeks and what and if he responds to.

"I am overwhelmed by the support we are receiving; words will never be enough to thank everyone near and far for your love, your donations and your help.Thank you all so much...keep loving and sending your prayers and strength."

To help with Zac's speedy recovery as he remains in an induced coma at Gold Coast University Hospital, and to assist with on-going costs a GoFundMe page has been set up.

The two men charged were granted bail on earlier this week to appear in court at a later date.

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