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State Funeral Service for the Honourable Thomas (Tom) William Roper

A State Funeral Service to honour and celebrate the life of the Honourable Thomas (Tom) William Roper was held on 5 July 2023 at the Immigration Museum.

Tom smiles at the camera, he wears a pink plaid shirt with a blue blazer.
The Honourable Thomas (Tom) William Roper. Image supplied by the Roper family.

A State Funeral Service was held for The Honourable Thomas (Tom) William Roper at the Immigration Museum on Wednesday 5 July 2023.

Family, friends, colleagues and members of the public gathered to celebrate Tom’s life and reflect on his time as a member of the Victorian Legislative Assembly, his 10 years of service as a senior minister and his strong advocacy for the environment.

The service was commenced by Master of Ceremonies, Catriona Rowntree, which was then followed by the Welcome to Country from Wurundjeri Elder, Aunty Joy Murphy Wandin AO. The Australian National Anthem was led by Gauri Singh.

The Premier, The Honourable Daniel Andrews MP, spoke on behalf of the people of Victoria and recited the poem 'He is Gone' by David Harkins.

The eulogy was given by The Honourable Robert Fordham AM and Tom’s eldest daughter, Dr Annabelle Roper, spoke on behalf of the Roper family.

The Honourable John Thwaites AM paid tribute to Tom’s life after politics, and Mr Peter Yates AM reflected on the close friendship he shared with Tom.

Fond memories of Tom’s time in parliament, family, friendships and life around the world were shared in touching photo montages throughout the service.

Donations

In lieu of flowers, memorial tributes may be made in the form of contributions to Greenfleet.

  • A room of people are seated and look towards a casket with flowers and pictures of a smiling man.
  • A woman stands at a podium speaking into a microphone.
  • A woman speaking into microphone at podium
  • A young person sings into a microphone.
  • A man stands at a podium speaking into a microphone.
  • A man stands at a podium speaking into a microphone.
  • A woman stands at a podium speaking into a microphone.
  • A man stands at a podium speaking into a microphone.
  • A man stands at a podium speaking into a microphone.

  • 300 people gathered to remember The Honourable Thomas (Tom) Roper at the State Funeral Service.

  • Catriona Rowntree was Master of Ceremonies.

  • Wurundjeri Elder, Aunty Joy Wandin Murphy AO, welcomed everyone to Country.

  • Gauri Singh performed the Australian National Anthem.

  • The Honourable Daniel Andrews MP, Premier of Victoria, spoke on behalf of the people of Victoria. 

  • The Honourable Robert Fordham AM gave the eulogy.

  • Tom’s daughter, Dr Annabelle Roper, spoke on behalf of the Roper family.

  • The Honourable John Thwaites AM spoke about Tom’s life after politics.

  • Mr Peter Yates AM remembered his journey of friendship with Tom.

Updated

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