Goulburn Street Classic Car Club donates to Seb Montalto's family

Sebastiano Montalto, known as Seb, died age 18 on February 13, following an accident at Pejar Dam where he was helping his friend free a bogged vehicle.

His death shocked his family and the community. Seb attended Picton and Goulburn High Schools and started his working life as an apprentice electrician in Bankstown. Later, he was employed by a Goulburn arborist company.

READ MORE: 'Adored young man' Sebastiano Montalto honoured by family and friends

A large congregation turned out to his funeral service at Sts Peter and Paul's Cathedral on February 28.

His story so touched the Goulburn Street and Classic Car Club that it decided to hold a fundraiser to help the family with expenses.

On Monday, president Stephen Parsons handed over a $2409.50 cheque to the family who gathered at local radio station, 2GN.

"As a club, we like to help people in need. We exist as a not-for-profit organisation," he told The Post.

ALSO READ: Seniors rejoice over increased social inclusion

In just five days, the club pulled together a car show at the Bunnings carpark in Goulburn on Friday night. A $10 entry fee for vehicles and gold coin entry for patrons applied.

But money was also raised through a raffle that sold 780 tickets and had prizes donated by local businesses. The D&M Ice Cream truck, the Cookies and Cream coffee van and Rainbow Faces also donated cash amounts.

Mr Parsons said the car show brought together vehicles from Goulburn, Laggan, Canberra, Sydney and other clubs.

ALSO READ: Remote towns living on the edge of darkness in fire's wake

Seb's mother, Jodie Bennison said she was "gobsmacked" by the gesture.

"I have no words," she said.

"To come together and do this is overwhelming. It's more support than I imagined."

Mrs Bennison said the family had experienced a wave of emotions since Seb's passing.

His stepfather, Andrew Bennison said they had received a great deal of support from friends, with many of them cooking meals.

"It makes us proud to be part of the Goulburn community," he said.

Seb is also survived by his father, Mario, stepmother Sandra, siblings Tahlia, Jasmin, Chelsea, Harry and Jack, and girlfriend India.

Did you know the Goulburn Post is now offering breaking news alerts and a weekly email newsletter? Keep up-to-date with all the local news: sign up here.