Hope in the face of tough times – Paul Hosking

With his iconic beard and beaming smile Paul Hosking is a man driven by the simple desire to help others. He has dedicated the last 8 years to creating and running ‘Hope at St Paul’s Kitchen’ in Devonport Tasmania. It has become a beacon for those doing it tough in the local area and far beyond. It serves some very practical purposes to be sure, but at its core is a ‘home’, a place for connection and a sense of family where no one is ever turned away.

Born in Bussleton WA, Paul left home at 16 and spent 26 years on the move until he was eventually forced to face his own crippling demons of addiction. With the help and encouragement of his parents he found his way through it and now lives every day doing the same for others. “I don’t dwell on the past. There’s a lot I’m not proud of and a lot I’m very proud of,” he reflects.

Ten years ago, ready to start a new life, it was love that drew Paul to Devonport. “I was a bit of a rough-head. I came over here and I wanted to make something of myself.” With no money in his pockets he began working as a gardener, borrowing a lawn mower and using a regular scissor to trim hedges until he could afford a whipper snipper. It was in these early days he harnessed skills from his time as a civilian cook in the army and air force, bringing people together around a fire, offering a meal and a trusting ear. He quickly garnered a reputation in the local community as someone who could change lives. And so a bigger dream was born.

Through the generosity of strangers he secured a charming 1903 church building as home for Hope at St Paul’s Kitchen. A community space like no other, powered entirely by faith and one man’s huge heart. It began as a place to go for a meal and some company. No judgement, no questions, just beautiful quality food and a kind chat if that was needed. These days Paul cooks for up to 200 people, breakfast, lunch and dinner every Tuesday and Thursday. At the start it was word of mouth that drove local market gardeners to deliver their excess produce to Paul, allowing him to spend just $40 a week on the extras required. These days the fresh produce streams in, pastries and desserts arrive still warm from the oven, donations of ‘everything from a pair of jocks to a vehicle’ have landed on his doorstep. “You know I’ve given away 3 cars,” he says.

Hope at St Paul’s is now a multi-faceted thriving support network. There is a shop on the premises, but in Paul’s words ‘everything is for free’. He hosts a monthly Blues Club where the band-stage is flanked with a mural created by a budding artist Paul has helped in recent times. He facilitates groups of men on camping trips and his back shed is open to all 24/7.

“People just drop in and chew the fat. I guess I’m a mentor to a lot of people. I don’t see it as anything special. I just do it. My phone number is on the front of building. I have people ringing me every day if they need help – from family troubles to a broken down car, to needing a meal.” PAUL HOSKING

He teaches men and women, young and old to ride motor bikes and drive…“Once they get their licence, they can get a job,” he insists. “Employment is everything. Some come into the kitchen for work experience so they can add it to a resume. Just a little bit of encouragement and it’s amazing what can happen.”

It’s hard to imagine the breadth of work Paul does within the community. He welcomes kids living with disability to play music with him, caters for weddings, birthdays, funerals and christenings. “There was even a baby born here and they named her Hope after us,” he says with pride.

A few years ago Paul bought a small boat which has become a cornerstone of activity for families, kids, teenagers. Whether it’s fishing or a gleeful ride on the ‘biscuit’, it’s a way to bring some joy to those in a tough spot.

“Some of these kids I’ve known their whole lives. Even when the kids run away from home, they come and see me. Lots and lots. I’ve stopped people committing suicide just by sharing my own story and listening to them.”

Paul’s greatest passion is motorbikes, Harley’s in particular. Born out of St Paul’s is the United Riders Tasmania, made up of about twenty men and women. “You can ride anything, it’s just about being together,” he says. The group is committed to charity work including Make a Wish Foundation fundraisers, Tasmania, and some very personal surprises.

“I took a lady for a ride on my Harley when she was 100 and she loved it. She turns 102 on the 10^th of December and I’m taking her for another ride. We do this as a group for lots of people.”

Paul is a very grateful man. He recognises the gifts along the way. Most of all he speaks of the owner of the beautiful old church that houses St Paul’s. He sold up all his local businesses and moved away but has left Paul with the building for as long as he needs it. “He only likes my heart,” says Paul.