An Australian surfing teacher who suffered major head injuries when he was allegedly punched in Bali has woken from a coma and is able to smile, wink and nod, his family says.
Matt Scarff, 41, suffered major head injuries when he was allegedly punched by a stranger outside the Townhouse Club in Seminyak on November 15 while going to the aid of a woman in danger.
A Facebook page was set up by family members to raise money for Mr Scarff's travel expenses to return him to Australia because he did not have insurance.
He has undergone two operations since arriving in Perth.
Tony Maguire, who runs the Facebook page, posted on Monday night that his cousin had woken up.
"He is out of the induced coma but still in intensive care," he said.
"Matt is still not out of the woods but his condition is improving and he is interacting.
"He is giving us nods, winks, thumbs up, and a few of his cheeky grins."
Mr Maguire said it is hoped that in time, and with a lot of hard work, Mr Scarff will be up and about again.
He added that Mr Scarff would require further surgery at Royal Perth Hospital in the near future.
"We are still taking things day by day," Mr Maguire said.
"He is loved by so many people and we know he will get through this."
Mr Scarff runs Bali Learn To Surf - a surf school that mainly teaches southeast Asians, including orphans, and includes surf trips to Java and up the coast.
