Many of Mr Wilson's family members were also present including his daughter Heidi Sutton who travelled from Tweed Heads for the event.

Ms Sutton said it was great to see how many people her father had brought together in one room.

"I just think of him as my dad," she said. "I didn't realise how much he had made an impact on so many people in the community. It is very humbling."

Ms Sutton travelled down to Sydney for Wilson's operation in April and has been back to visit him several times at Wollongong Hospital.

She described him as a great dad.

Wilson's sister Rhonda Ebrill said she was absolutely overwhelmed by the response.

"I can't believe how many people have come out tonight to support my brother," she said.

"I knew he was loved in Wollongong and I love him to bits. I am totally rapt."

Niece Kellie Hutchison said the event had done more than just raise money.

"It was overwhelming how supportive everyone is and how much they have opened their hearts," she said.

The night also included video messages from two of Wilson's children including daughter Leah Treadwell and her children Brooke, 15, Emily, 13, and Lachlan, 5, and his son Andrew Wilson who is married to Kelly and has daughter Chloe, 6.

Mrs Treadwell said she was unable to be there on the night because of her own medical condition and her children being involved in school musicals.

But Mrs Treadwell, her two daughters and her brother did visit a couple of weeks ago.

The total amount raised to help Mr Wilson in his fight with brain cancer will be announced in coming days.