On August 8, the 10-year-old got off the school bus outside his home at Coolagolite on the Far South Coast shortly before being hit by a vehicle and suffering fatal head injuries. 

Since then, there has been an outpouring of grief from all corners of the community as people remember the quiet, friendly child. 

“He loved being outside, kicking his footy around, riding his bike or getting around the farm on a tractor with me,” his father Brett Jessop said. 

“Noa just had a gentle nature, he was a really easy going kid who got along with everyone.

“He was popular with other kids, older and younger ones. He wasn’t a loud kid, and he’d never annoy you.

“He’d come in the morning from dairying and be all ready for school, his hair all slicked and tidy.”  

The youngster loved playing rugby league with his cousins and friends, and was a fullback with Bega’s under 10s.

He also enjoyed swimming, even though he used to be scared of water. But two years ago he joined the Cobargo Swimming Club and began training before school, ending up completing in regional swimming for school. 

When he grew up, Noa imagined he would become a plumber or a builder. 

“He didn’t want to be farmer, he said ‘you don’t get a day off dad!’” Brett said. 

Speaking on Thursday, Brett said his family was “doing alright”.

“We’ve got lots of family and friends down, and more coming,” he said.

“We’re just getting by.” 

Noa has one sister, 13-year-old Mia, and their father said she was coping well under the circumstances. 

“She went to school yesterday, because she wanted to,” Brett said. 

The principal at St Patrick’s Primary School in Bega, Jo Scott-Pegum, said Noa was one of the school’s beloved Year 4 pupils. 

“He was a friendly boy known for his sporting prowess and his great sportsmanship,” she said on Tuesday.

“He was known to have a positive attitude to life and learning.

“Our school community is grieving and we send our thoughts and prayers to the Jessop family.”

About 4.30pm on August 8, Noa got off his school bus that had stopped opposite the front gate to his property on Bermagui-Cobargo Rd. 

As he attempted to cross the road he was struck by a vehicle travelling west and suffered fatal head injuries. 

The 21-year-old driver was taken to South East Regional Hospital in Bega for mandatory blood and urine tests. 

Any inquiries about the funeral for Noa can be directed to John Whyman on 6492 4111.