Tom Johnson's mother, father, brother and partner are supporting the 22-year-old, who remains in intensive care at Albury hospital.  

He was taken there after being overcome by hydrogen sulphide at Norske Skog last Thursday.

“Tom remains on life support but he is trending in the right direction,” his family said in a statement released on Monday morning.

“We are hoping for a positive outcome, however we are acutely aware that this is a very rare condition and that things can change very rapidly.

“The level of care Tom has received at Albury Wodonga Health is equal to what he could have received anywhere and we are thankful to the staff here for their exceptional care of our son.

“We have been touched by the unconditional support we have received from our family, friends and community during this awful time and we sincerely thank you.”

Sadly his fellow workers, Lyndon Quinlivan, 35, and Ben Pascall, 28, died in the hours after the incident.

A meeting was held at the Ettamogah mill on Monday afternoon.

Australian Manufacturing Workers Union organiser Dave Corben said there it was still unclear when staff would be able to return.

There have been discussions about fundraising for the affected men’s families, which are still in their infancy and will be announced at a later date. 

“There’s no day set for people to get back to work,” he said.

“People will remain being paid.

“Basically it’s about making the site clean and safe for everyone.

“There are a few people working but it’s all about securing the site, checking stuff off, doing all the safety things.”

The main concern is ensuring the site is completely safe, Mr Corben said, and added that the positive signs for Mr Johnson were "lifting people up". 

“People are holding up OK,” he said. 

"There is a very good community and workers' spirit going on. 

“Everyone's focus is very much on the families of the people who have passed away.”