Hundreds of mourners are expected to flock to Marist College Ashgrove on Friday to pay tribute to former student Joshua Tam, who died last month after taking an "unknown substance" at a music festival.
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The 22-year-old Brisbane rugby player died in hospital on December 29, after attending the Lost Paradise music festival on the NSW Central Coast.
In a bid to reduce drug-related deaths, Mr Tam’s family launched a charity clothing label called Just Mossin, with proceeds to help fund better drug education for young Australians.
“On Boxing Day 2018 my husband and I left for our annual Christmas holiday at the beach," his mother Julie wrote on the charity’s website.
"I kissed my beautiful son goodbye as usual, much to his disgust, and said 'drive safe to the festival, it's a long drive'. He smirked and said 'you know mum, boys and long drives' in his dark humour kind of way. That's something we had in common.
“That's all I was worried about. We had plenty of conversation about drugs and alcohol, we hardly needed another.
“Saturday 29th December at 11:37pm I woke to a call no parent should have to receive. Who? Our son? Surely not?” she wrote.
“Our lives have changed forever.”
Mr Tam is one of five young people who have died from suspected overdoses at music festivals in NSW in as many months.
The tragedies have pushed the issue of pill testing back into the spotlight, with the NSW Coroner's Court to hold public hearings on January 22.
Addiction medicine specialist and Liberal National Party MP Christian Rowan argued pill testing should be on the agenda in Queensland.
But his position was at odds with LNP deputy leader Tim Mander, who said he was concerned about mixed messages and believed pill testing could give partygoers a false sense of security.
Mr Tam's family released a public statement days before the 22-year-old's funeral.
“In Josh’s honour, we as a united family are devoted to helping implement positive changes in the youth community and culture, to minimise the amount of young lives lost. No family should have to endure the pain of a death of a loved one that is possibly preventable.
“Joshua’s legacy has already sparked the move towards genuine conversation between youth and all those invested in their wellbeing. We hope that many more simple conversations about these issues can educate and potentially save a life,” the statement said.
“We are incredibly thankful for the love and support of the Australian community and we look forward to speaking publicly on how we plan to move forward with our ideas when it is the right time for our family.”
