WELCOME AND INTRODUCTION

Fifteen years and eight months.

To some people in this room today, 15 years and eight months feels like forever.
To others, it’s the blink of an eye.
What we all know is that it’s not long enough.
The Hosking family - Kim, Andrew and Charli - would give anything to have more than the 15
years and eight months they got with their precious son and brother Thom.
But that’s what they got.
—
Good morning, ladies and gentlemen, my name is Greg Dundas.
I’m a close friend of the Hosking family and I’m honoured that they have asked me to host
today’s service saluting Thom Andrew Hosking, and also to speak on their behalf.
When they first asked me to speak today, the shock and grief of Thom’s tragic death was still
very raw.
When I listened to Kim and Andrew talk about Thom, all I could hear at first was what had
been so cruelly taken from him.
The opportunities he was being denied.
The potential that was going unrealised.
The great man he could never now become.
But in the two weeks that have now passed since Thom died, I have listened more intently.
I can still hear the heartbreak. But what I’ve also started to hear is strength and gratitude.
Sure, the Hoskings would give anything to have just one more day with Thom.
But they are so grateful for the 15 years and eight months they got with him.
And so proud of how he spent those years.
Thom was funny and fun-loving. Gentle and generous. Wise, thoughtful, smart,
hard-working, inquisitive, calm, capable and kind ... and he had many other great qualities.
He was a brilliant friend, a loving grandson, a cousin, a nephew, a student, a classmate, a
teammate.
A loyal and dependable brother.
And the best son Andrew and Kim could ever hope for.
So, yes, we are terribly sad to be here today, saying farewell to Thom - just as Thom’s
closest family did privately yesterday.
And we know there are going to be tears and choked emotions in this room for the next hour
or so.
But - as much as we possible - today is about gratitude for what Thom brought to the lives of
those who loved him.
There is no doubt Thom could have done great things in this world ... if given the chance.
But there is also no doubt that he lived a happy, content and fulfilled life.
His family and friends provided everything he needed and brought him great joy ... right up
until the day he died.
So, through the tears and hugs, today is about celebrating Thom ... saying thanks for the 15
years and eight months we got with him and being grateful that he lived them so happily.
—
Today you are going to hear from people who knew Thom well.
They come from the different walks of Thom’s life.
There will be members of his family. Classmates whose friendships blossomed outside of
school, and a much-loved and admired teacher.
Everyone who speaks today is showing enormous courage to do so.
The waves of grief are still washing over them.
But in this room - surrounded by Thom’s loved ones - they will find the love and support they
need to say the things they want to say.
So thank you for being here to hear their words ... for showing them your support.
And for showing the Hosking family how much Thom meant to you and that you will be there
to support them in the difficult days, weeks, months and years ahead as they tackle the
enormous grief they must now carry.
ON BEHALF OF KIM AND ANDREW HOSKING
I’ll now speak on behalf of Kim and Andrew.
Thom was born on the 11th February 2010. He weighed nine pounds, three ounces.
It wasn’t an easy birth.
During the craziness that followed Kim can vividly remember Andrew holding Thom, looking
down at him and asking “will he grow into his head?”
He did.
And after that, he never really caused them any trouble ever again.
Thom was known by many names in the family home: Thommy, Thomster, T-Dog, Turtle
Man, Cactus Dog, Little Guy and One-Sock Thom.
He was a very easy-going character.
The only thing that made him unhappy was when people pronounced his name wrong and
called him TH-OM.
Thom and Kim shared an instant and incredibly strong bond.
They were kindred spirits.
He always wanted his mum and was always there for her.
Thom knew to give Kim a subtle squeeze of her hand at just the right time ... and he always
waited for her to squeeze back.
He understood her OCD issues and appreciated her organisational skills.
The last birthday card message he wrote to his mum read:
“I hope you have an amazing day because you are the best and most organised mum”.
Kim is going to miss those thoughtful messages he delivered every year.
But most of all, she’s going to miss Thom walking through the front door of their home and
delivering a full debrief of his day.
Most recently, he was lying on his bed after the annual House Dinner at school detailing
what a disaster their Year 9 performance had been, and how the girls had made the boys
look ridiculous - apparently they were severely outnumbered.
In 2020 Thom, Andrew, Kim’s brothers - Tony and Shane - and their boys - Cooper and
Fraser - embarked on an epic sports tour of the USA.
They even attended the Super Bowl.
It was on this trip that Thom and Andrew’s relationship went to another level.
They often recounted stories of their travels. Always with a broad smile.
Like his dad, Thom was a fan of the Melbourne Demons. Signed up since birth in the dark
days of the early 2010s.
No wonder he had such strong character. Those were character-building times to support
the Dees.
Although he didn’t see many wins over the years, Thom loved attending games with his dad
... especially when Andrew’s MCC membership came through and they could start visiting
the dining rooms and watching games from behind the glass.
Like so many Melbourne fans, that was where Thom most loved to watch footy.
They also attended the Boxing Day Test each year.
And Andrew recently took responsibility for Thom’s musical education. Their first concert
together was Pearl Jam.
Other stadium rock shows were in their plans.
Andrew and Thom enjoyed watching TV series together.
But Thom would often get frustrated because he constantly had to hit pause so he could
explain the plot to Andrew.
If they were watching Squid Game and a bloody or violent scene came on, Andrew would
have to look away or shield his eyes.
Thom - unfazed - would keep watching and tell his dad when he could start watching again.
Last week, when Andrew and Kim faced the daunting task of visiting the coroner to identify
Thom, Andrew was heartbroken.
The only person he wanted by his side holding his hand and guiding him through was Thom.
Thom was a huge fan of the Marvel franchise.
He eagerly awaited the release of each movie, dissecting it afterwards. And wanting to know
what everyone else thought of the film and what rating they gave it.
He loved the secret messages and in-jokes - the Easter eggs - hidden in the films,and got
great joy from finding them.
During COVID, Thom insisted that the family watch the entire Marvel movie series in
chronological order.
They all did it happily just to see how much enjoyment it gave Thom.
Thom also loved the show Stranger Things .
He was eagerly looking forward to the final season being released next month and planned
to make his family rewatch all 34 previous episodes.
He wanted to share his love for the show. He wanted everyone up to speed.
And he didn’t want to be constantly pausing the new episodes to explain what was going on.
–-
In the middle of last year, the Hoskings hosted French exchange student Sophie Perin for a
month.
Sophie got an intimate insight into their family life and Thom’s place within the family unit.
Sophie wrote a heartfelt message to the family after Thom’s death.
She described Thom as “caring supportive and thoughtful”.
“When I think of you, the first image that comes to mind is a playful and fun-loving boy, totally
into board and outdoor games, just as much as video games with friends,” she wrote.
“I remember how sporty you were. On one hand, motivated and full of energy, getting up
around 5am to go to the gym. And on the other hand, an excellent swimmer ... a true
Aussie.”
–
Thom was well traveled. He’d already been to the US twice, Japan, Singapore, Italy, France
and England.
Closer to home, he enjoyed exploring Melbourne, the Grampians and the warmer beaches in
Queensland.
Some of the family’s favourite memories are from their holidays together.
Despite being the youngest, Thom became the family’s chief navigator.
They were astounded by his ability to memorise the Google maps directions.
He’d look the destination up, scan the directions, put the phone back in his pocket and then
direct the family to exactly where they needed to be.
He could do it anywhere in the world, and Andrew Kim and Charli had complete faith in him.
Travelling and exploring looked like it would be a huge part of his life.
Being so capable and well presented, it was no surprise that Thom landed himself a
part-time job.
He was supposed to start at Bendigo McDonalds on October 13.
He was the best employee they never had.
He was also looking forward to getting his learner’s permit next year and doing work
experience at AFS , where Kim now works and where Andrew, himself, did work experience
35 years ago.
Thom had a reserved quiet nature to those who didn’t know him well, but once he let you in,
he was incredibly fun-loving with a dry sense of humour.
He loved for everyone to get along.
He had an incredibly happy life surrounded by family and friends.
And Kim and Andrew honestly can’t remember a time when he wasn’t smiling. He was a
content boy, who had everything he wanted.
—
Now it’s time to hear from others who knew Thom well.
INTRO CHARLI HOSKING
In Thom’s early years, while Andrew was often at work, Thom spent a lot of time with Kim
and Charli, playing dress - ups, making up dances, reading books and playing Lego.
Kim came to realise that his gentle nature could be attributed to those formative years.
There was only 17 months between Thom and Charli and they were often mistaken for
twins.
Thom was Charli’s biggest supporter, always encouraging her. He attended every one of her
dance concerts.
And his encouragement will guide her now and every day into the future.
It’s time to hear from Charli Hosking ...
CHARLI HOSKING SPEAKS
INTRO STU POWNEY
Everyone needs a funny uncle.
Thom was blessed with a few.
At family events Thom would always seek out his Uncle Stu for a laugh and to share their
secret handshake.
I’ll now introduce Stu Powney ...
STU POWNEY SPEAKS
THOM’S FAMILY / COUSINS INTRO
Thom loved spending time with all his extended family and had a special bond with his
grandparents.
With Andrew’s parents - Cheryl and Stewart (Grandma and Grandpa) - they baked, played
card and board games, enjoyed Grandma’s Sunday roast and recently spent time together
on holidays in Mooloolaba.
Thom loved sleepovers with Kim’s parents - his Nanny and Mikey.
They had endless chats about what was going on in his life and theirs, often over a meal of
Thom’s favourite - fish and chips.
Thom was their tech guy, and was always on call to go over and help them with their IT
needs.
They were his biggest fans.
He loved spending time with all his cousins, but would often gravitate to Rhys as they were
the only boys on Andrew’s side of the family and were very similar in nature.
Being at the same school and in the same house as Fraser and Ava brought a special bond.
Thom always enjoyed catching up and came away knowing everything going on at Girton
due to Ava’s wealth of knowledge.
I’ll now call up Thom’s cousins ...
COUSINS SPEAK
SCHOOL & THOM’S PASSIONS INTRO FORMER GIRTON TEACHER JOSH McGUFFIE
Even though Thom was not overly competitive when it came to sports - like Andrew is - he
happily tried his hand at many sports. Soccer, Auskick and cricket among them.
In recent years, he enjoyed many hours doing laps at the pool, swimming with the Kangaroo
Flat Swim Club.
Their “try your best” motto really suited his personality.
At Girton’s senior school he was enjoying being part of the table tennis group.
But his long-running passion was learning to play guitar, and he built a strong bond with his
teacher Josh McGuffie.
He was a part of the guitar ensemble, performed at school events including being asked to
be in the band for the Mamma Mia ! production.
He was a little hesitant at first, but really enjoyed the experience of being in the pit and
sharing the experience with Charli up on stage.
Now let’s hear from Josh McGuffie.
JOSH McGUFFIE SPEAKS
GIRTON & THOM’S FRIENDS
When Charli started at Girton, Thom was adamant he wanted to continue at Quarry Hill
Primary School.
After a few months of dropping them off at different schools, Kim convinced him to have a
trial day at Girton.
When he came home he declared he wanted to start there the next day.
Thom flourished at Girton.
The nurturing environment of the Junior School suited him well, and his transition to Senior
School was seamless.
He was thriving academically. He strived to receive merits and made many new friends.
Thom had a close group of mates at Girton. Now let’s hear from two of them.
FRIENDS SPEAK
,
JOSH PLAYS AMAZING GRACE ARRANGEMENT
CLOSING WORDS
Andrew, Kim and Charli have so many people to thank for their kindness and support since
Thom passed.
Although they don’t want to single people out, they must acknowledge Kim’s brother Shane.
His “get shit done” approach has been a huge help.
The Hoskings appreciate all the kind thoughts and offers that have flowed since Thom’s
passing.
But all they really want is Thom back, and no one can do that for them.
They know how helpless everyone feels because they feel more helpless than anyone.
And they know that so many people are also grieving for Thom.
But they’ve got so many happy memories from their 15 years and eight months with Thom
Andrew Hosking.
Those memories have given them enormous strength in the past fortnight, and will continue
to do so as they enter the next phase of their life without Thom physically by their side.
You can give them strength, too ... by sharing your memories of Thom.
Never be shy to talk about the boy he was or the man he was becoming.
If you see the Hoskings at school, or work, or out on a run ... or on their lunch break ... or
you see them today ... don’t tiptoe around the topic.
Just tell them something about Thom.
Something you noticed or admired.
Something kind that he did ... or funny that he once said.
Or something that you’ve learnt about him today.
That is what gives them strength. That is what keeps Thom sharp in their minds.
Ladies and gentlemen, we will now close this service by viewing a slideshow of special
photos of Thom.
Afterwards, you are invited to gather in the lobby for some light refreshments.
Thank you.
SLIDESHOW (9 MINUTES) - JOSH PLAYS GUITAR
MUSIC: ABBA Thank You For The Music - people depar