Matt Scarff, 41, was punched in the back of his head after going to the aid of a woman in his home town in Bali on November 17. 

He was medically evacuated to Perth days later. 

After two weeks of intensive medical treatment, Mr Scarff has woken from an induced coma and is giving family members nods, winks and a "few of his cheeky grins". 

"Matt is still not out of the woods and is in intensive care but his condition is improving and he is interacting," his family said on Facebook. 

"We hope with that with time and a lot of hard work the Matt we know and love will be up and about."

They said Matt required further surgery in the near future, but everyone was taking things day by day. 

"He is loved by so many people and we know he will get through this," they said. 

A fund-raiser, set up to help pay for Mr Scarff's medical expenses, has raised $100,000 so far. 

At the time of the incident, close friend Patrick Hurley said Mr Scarff would win the battle ahead through his strength and determination. 

"Apparently he was helping a woman who was approached by a group of men when he was hit and that just typifies Matty - a great guy always willing to help," he said. 

"We just hope and pray he gets through this. 

"But knowing Matty, he's fit and strong and will recover."

Bendigo's Brendan Baker, who has known Mr Scarff for several years, said Mr Scarff was a beautiful, laid-back person. 

"He's a good fellow," Mr Baker said. 

"It's just one of those random acts of cowardice that can happen anywhere and we're just waiting to hear how he is. 

"I expect it'll be a long recovery period for him."