Twenty-one-year-old Anthony Newbound's life was changed forever in December when a car under which he was working fell on top of him.

A 'silent' auction and trivia night fund-raiser held recently at the Gisborne Mechanics Hall raised more than $15,000.

What started as a normal weekend away with mates at a property in Tocumwal in December turned into every family's ultimate nightmare when the car broke Anthony's back, paralysing him from the waist down.

Anthony's parents Paul and Deborah Newbound said they did not expect so much community support to help their son, a qualified commercial builder, with his rehabilitation costs.

"The money will go towards buying Anthony a wheelchair and pay for some rehabilitation costs," Mrs Newbound said

"The money is timely. We've recently been told the initial operation on Anthony's back has failed and the metal rods in his back have broken in half. He will need further surgery."

Mrs Newbound said they were horrified when they heard the rods had broken.

Mr Newbound hoped no further damage had been caused to his son's back.

"Anthony has consulted a private orthopedic surgeon and is booked into the Epworth Hospital for surgery this week.

It will be major surgery. This is why we have had to wait for the surgeon to have a free day to fit Anthony into his list."

Mrs Newbound said: "Even with the family's private health insurance the operation and stay at the Epworth will cost thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket expenses, so the fund-raiser was a saviour.

"Financially, we have been stretched to the limit for the past nine months."

The family is running a raffle. One of the main prizes is a home-cooked dinner for 10 people offered by Frank Gorlitz, from Schatzi's Restaurant, Woodend. The dinner is valued at $1000. The draw will take place on December 13.

Details: www.newbound.org