The hospitality community is in mourning following the tragic death of Kim Stephen, the creative director and co-founder of the celebrated Light Years restaurant group. Mr Stephen passed away unexpectedly in November, shortly after celebrating his 40th birthday, following a battle with his mental health.
A Creative Visionary Remembered
Light Years restaurant announced the devastating news on social media, paying tribute to the man they described as their creative heart. 'Today we pay tribute to the man whose spirit and creativity defined so much of who we are,' the post stated. It went on to describe Kim as 'the magic, the imagination, the intuition and the spark behind everything we built.' His unique vision was credited with shaping the venues, the team, and the entire dining experience for which the group is known.
Mr Stephen is survived by his fiancée, Peta Van De Velde, and their 18-month-old son, Sebastian. In a powerful and heartfelt tribute, Ms Van De Velde shared a photograph of their young family and issued a poignant plea. 'Our son will grow up knowing the depth of his father's vision and the remarkable man behind it,' she said. 'And, to any man fighting battles the world can't see, I implore you to find the courage to ask for help.'
Building a Culinary Empire
Kim Stephen's journey into the restaurant world was a family affair, inspired by his brother, Ry, a renowned pastry chef behind establishments like Supermoon Bakehouse in New York. Ry Stephen remembered his brother's 'insatiable curiosity for global cuisines' and his obsession with creating spaces that perfectly complemented his culinary vision.
Together with co-owners James Sutherland and Robbie Oijvall, Kim Stephen turned Light Years from a single Byron Bay venue opened in 2017 into a multi-city success. The modern Asian diner, known for its award-winning design, expanded to Noosa, Newcastle, the Gold Coast, and most recently, Perth. The flagship restaurant was shortlisted for the 2023 Australian Interior Design Awards and previously won the Artedomus x The Local Project Emerging Designer Award.
A Legacy of Music and Community
Tributes have poured in from across the community, including from the Hemsworth family, prominent figures in the Byron Bay area. Leonie Hemsworth, mother of actors Chris, Liam, and Luke, remembered Kim—affectionately known to many as 'China'—not just as a restaurateur but as a passionate DJ. 'He was a brilliant DJ and many of our family's celebrations... are memorable thanks to the music he provided,' she recalled, noting that despite his culinary success, music remained his life's passion.
Peta Van De Velde vowed to continue his work, stating, 'Kim was my partner in life and in business. We will carry on building the empire Kim started, honouring his legacy and his creative genius that shaped it.' She described him as a man who 'poured heart and brilliance into everything he touched,' leaving behind an unmistakable magic and a community forever changed by his presence.
If you or someone you know is struggling, please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636.
