Mr McInerney entered an induced coma for nine days on January 5 after meningacoccal septicaemia attacked his body.

He is now in a stable but critical condition.

Close friend Jordan Walker said Mr McInerney had been inundated with support.

“People have been visiting and calling from everywhere, not just from Junee but from Canberra, Queensland and the South Coast as well,” he said.

“Everyone has been there to support him and his family throughout this whole journey.

“Everyone’s behind Seb and willing to do anything for him.”

A community-driven fundraising campaign co-organised by Mr Walker, the Keep Fighting Seb Fund, has launched on Facebook to help pay for Mr McInerney’s operations, physiotherapy appointments and ongoing treatment.

The Junee Licorice and Chocolate Factory has also thrown its support behind the beloved 22-year-old, opting to donate a percentage of its takings from its upcoming Australia Day Eve event.

A separate fundraiser will be held at the factory on March 11, with further details still to be confirmed.

Mr McInerney’s long-time former rugby league coach Paul McCarthy said a staggering number of people had rallied behind Mr McInerney. 

“The amount of people who’ve come and asked me about him and who’re praying for him is just amazing,” he said.

“I've known Seb all his life and he's just a champion fella.”

Mr McInerney moved to the Gold Coast in 2013, where he achieved his dream of working in a barber shop after beginning his hairdressing career at Deb On Hair in Junee.

The McInerney family has thanked the Druce family and Mr McInerney’s ICU staff for their ongoing support, while requesting the community continues to respect its privacy.

Anyone wishing to support Mr McInerney’s fight can donate to the Keep Fighting Seb Fund: BSB 112879, account number 469642625. ​