‘Heartbroken I’ve lost my little brother’: Tributes for Anthony Hobden after fatal Moulden crash

A motorsports-loving larrikin who was a part of the furniture at Hidden Valley, and who famously won a bravery medal for his actions during the fatal shooting of a police officer, lived a blameless life, his brother says.

Anthony James Hobden at the Darwin Supercars event in 2020 at Hidden Valley. Picture: Glenn Campbell

A motorsports-loving larrikin who was killed in a two-vehicle collision at Palmerston lived a blameless life, his crestfallen brother says.

Darwin River man Anthony James Hobden, 56, died on his way home from work when his motorcycle collided with a vehicle being driven by a 28-year-old about 2.30pm Thursday, at the intersection of Chung Wah Tce and Elrundie Ave, Moulden.

Mr Hobden was well-known throughout the Territory, particularly for his motorsports addiction – he was part of the furniture at Hidden Valley – and also for being awarded a bravery medal for his actions during the fatal shooting of Sergeant Glen Huitson in 1999.

He was also a much-loved figure of the Top End hospitality scene via his long-running associations with suppliers Bidfood Australia and, before that, Arafura Catering Equipment.

Anthony Hobden at Hidden Valley in 2017. Picture: Glenn Campbell

His brother Dave said the premature death of his brother had been felt deeply, including by Mr Hobden’s long-term partner, stepchildren, and step-grandkids, who called him ‘Poppy’.

“He was not just some other d---head on a motorbike, he was a much loved guy,” Dave said.

“He didn’t have a bad bone in his body, never been in trouble with the law.

“He loved his motorbikes, loved his missus, loved his car racing and he was a passionate Territorian.

Anthony Hobden and long-term partner Gabrielle Johnson with their flags during the practice day at the V8 Supercar series at the Hidden Valley race track in Darwin in 2011. Picture: File

“I’m a bit heartbroken I’ve lost my little brother.”

Dave Hobden said if you had come across his brother, it was most likely trackside.

“He was at Hidden Valley every year with his flags,” Dave said.

“He had a shed house where the whole roof was drooping down flags from Hidden Valley.

“The media always interviewed him, always took pictures of him.

“People who didn’t know him personally really well still spoke to him every year and knew who he was.

Anthony James Hobden and his massive flag collection at the 2020 Darwin Triplecrown. Picture: Che Chorley

Dave said his brother’s funeral would likely be delayed several weeks, as their mother was travelling interstate in a camper van at the time of her son’s death, and she needs time to return to Cairns before flying to Darwin.

In a life well-lived, one of Mr Hobden’s finest moments came August 3, 1999, when, at Noonamah, Rodney Ansell (the inspiration for Crocodile Dundee) opened fire at Sergeant Huitson and Senior Constable Jamie O’Brien while they were talking to Jonathan Anthonysz and Mr Hobden.

Scene from the killing of Sergeant Glen Huitson, who was gunned down by Rod Ansell in 1999. Picture: File

Sergeant Huitson was killed instantly and Mr Anthonysz, who had been struck below the waist, may have joined him, but Mr Hobden, under the covering fire of Constable O’Brien, dragged his friend to safety.

Such disregard for self was the epitome of who his brother was, said Dave Hobden.

Originally published as ‘Heartbroken I’ve lost my little brother’: Tributes for Anthony Hobden after fatal Moulden crash