Local Bloke… Graham Hosking from Coogee

By James Hutton on April 2, 2020 in People

Making people smile. Photo: James Hutton

Coogee resident Graham Hosking has recently released his debut picture book, Sidney Opera Mouse. He shares his local favourites with The Beast…

How long have you lived here? I moved over from Knutsford, England in January 2013 and I have lived in Coogee ever since.

Why do you live here? It’s a beautiful part of the world. I feel incredibly lucky to have world class beaches, bars and cafés within walking distance.

What’s your favourite beach? Coogee, but Clovelly is great for a post work dip.

What’s your favourite eatery? La Spiaggia in Coogee or INDU in the city.

Where do you like to have a drink? My cricket team is sponsored by the Coogee Bay Hotel so that’s my go to. The Wanderer in Surry Hills is also a favourite.

Best thing about the Eastern Suburbs? The lifestyle is second to none. Living near the beach and still being so close to the city can never be taken for granted.

Worst thing about the Eastern Suburbs? There’s not too much to dislike, but I wouldn’t mind less traffic and cheaper rent/property.

Do you have a favourite sporting team? The Coogee Bay Hotel Rebels Cricket Club, Sydney Sixers and Sunderland FC are my teams.

What music are you into at the moment? This week’s car karaoke has included Pierce Brothers, Bluetones and The Stone Roses. I love going to gigs and would recommend a trip to Byron Bluesfest to anyone who enjoys music.

Who is your favourite person? I can’t pick just one so I’d have to say my family back in the UK. They’ve always supported me in whatever I’ve chosen to do (even if that means moving to the other side of the world).

What do you get up to on the weekends? Most weekends I play cricket for the Coogee Bay Rebels, catch up with friends and try to squeeze in some writing.

What do you do for work? My day job is in insurance, but in December I released my debut rhyming picture book, Sidney Opera Mouse. In the book ‘Sidney’ escapes from a pet shop and explores some of Sydney’s most famous attractions before finding the place he is destined to belong. Bondi Beach and the Opera House both feature.

What’s your favourite thing about work? The variety in my work means that no two days are the same. On the writing side, it has been a great adventure learning about the craft of writing and self-publishing. The writing community are some of the nicest and most generous people I’ve ever met. I hope the book makes people smile.

Do you have a favourite quote? You miss 100 per cent of the shots you don’t take.

Any other words of wisdom for readers of The Beast? A book makes a great gift! Signed copies of my debut book, Sidney Opera Mouse, are available at www.grahamhosking.com. You can also get your hands on a copy at Sydney Opera House and in all good book shops.