After enduring multiple surgeries, a battle with sepsis, and 100 surgical staples, a hotel staffer has just left ICU following a life-altering tragedy.
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What began as a dream "lap of Australia" for Thomas and his girlfriend Mercedes became a nightmare when he was wounded by gunshot on March 20.
But the 31-year-old's survival is now being celebrated as a miracle of resilience, as the Far South Coast community backs a GoFundMe campaign made to support the couple.
"I am so happy to share that Thomas's recovery is going really well," the campaign organiser said in an update with Bega District News.
"He's now out of ICU and making incredible progress after multiple major surgeries and battling sepsis, and, 100 staples and a couple of hip screws later, he's well on his way to becoming a bionic man.
"His strength and resilience continue to amaze us. While this is a huge milestone, there is still a long road ahead."
The organiser said while they were hopeful Thomas would be able to leave hospital in about one month, they noted that his recovery journey would continue well beyond that.
What we know so far
About 10.30pm on Friday, March 20, emergency services were called to a hotel on Campbell Street in Narooma following reports of a shooting.
On arrival, South Coast Police District officers located a 31-year-old man with a gunshot wound.
He was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being taken to Moruya Hospital in a stable condition.
According to NSW Police, an unidentified man entered the hotel, before shooting the 31-year-old and stealing an amount of cash.
Police alleged the unknown man then approached a 17-year-old driver in a car park adjacent to the hotel, where he allegedly produced a firearm and demanded the teenager get out of the vehicle.
The man then left the scene in the vehicle. A short time later, the vehicle was located on fire on the Princes Highway in Narooma, before being extinguished by Fire and Rescue NSW.
Following a 10-day manhunt, detectives arrested and charged a man in connection with an armed robbery and shooting at a Far South Coast hotel.
The matter was investigated by local police before it was handed over to State Crime Command's Robbery and Serious Crime Squad under Strike Force Cornto.
Following extensive inquiries, about 7.10pm on Monday, March 30, strike force detectives with assistance of the Tactical Operations Unit and South Coast Police District detectives arrested Deon Rodney Mason, 41, on Bronte Crescent in Sunshine Bay.
A short time later, police executed a search warrant at a home on Billaroy Road, Cobargo, seizing items believed to have been used in the alleged offence.
Mason was taken to Batemans Bay Police Station.
He was charged with robbery with arms and wounding/grievous bodily harm, two counts of robbery while armed with a dangerous weapon, and firing firearm in or near public place.
Mason appeared at Bail Division Local Court 3 on Tuesday, March 31 where he made no application for bail and bail was refused.
Community rallies for "Thomas"
Since the GoFundMe campaign launched, the Far South Coast community had raised $22,000 for the hotel staffer.
"Thomas has been working at the hotel since last year as part of a trip around Australia with his girlfriend Mercedes," the campaign organiser said.
"They hit the road last year on the adventure of a lifetime to travel a lap of Australia with no fixed plans other than just enjoying each other's company and spending time exploring Australia's natural beauty.
"They both fell in love immediately with Narooma and decided to stay for the summer securing jobs at Narooma Hotel.
"They have been extremely popular with both customers and their workmates."
Support beyond medical bills
The organiser attributed the fundraiser's creation to Thomas's reputation, noting that the community and staff had been collectively seeking a way to provide assistance.
While the relevant workplace safety authority and insurance were engaged and would assist with medical bills, the fundraiser was designed to bridge the gap for the couple's immediate and continuing living expenses.
"Please get behind this cause and help out a lovely young couple who are facing a tremendous challenge," the organiser said.
"Any donations large or small are appreciated.
"All money raised will go directly to Thomas and Mercedes and will go a long way to helping them out with medical and living expenses during this period.
"Let's get them through this and show them that we are a community that cares."
Jimmy Parker
I am a multi-award-winning regional news journalist on the Far South Coast of NSW. I aim to immortalise the stories of everyday people through narratives and capture breaking news. Have you got a story? Contact me on 0437 166 441 or at jimmy.parker@austcommunitymedia.com.au
