The vibrant heart of Perth's modern Asian dining scene has been shattered by the sudden and tragic death of Kim Stephen, the co-founder and creative director of Arcade Agency Hospitality. Mr Stephen was 40 years old.
His unexpected passing leaves behind his fiancée, Peta Van De Velde, and their young son, who is just 18 months old. The news has sent waves of grief through the hospitality industry and the communities he touched.
A Creative Genius Remembered
Kim Stephen was the visionary behind the popular Light Years restaurant chain, a staple of modern Asian cuisine known for its signature flavours, vibrant cocktails, and sleek styling. The Perth location, which opened in April 2025 in the historic Gordon Stephenson House, was the fifth venue in the growing empire.
The original Light Years launched in Byron Bay in 2017, with subsequent successful openings in Newcastle, Noosa, and Burleigh. Mr Stephen, often known by his nickname 'China', co-founded the business with James Sutherland and Robbie Oijvall.
In a moving tribute on Instagram, Light Years described him as "the magic, the imagination, the intuition and the spark behind everything we built." The post continued, "His ideas shaped our venues, our people and the experiences we share with our guests."
A Partner's Tribute and a Plea for Help
His devastated fiancée, Peta Van De Velde, shared a heartfelt public message, vowing to continue his legacy. "Kim was my partner in life and in business," she wrote. "We will carry on building the empire Kim started, honouring his legacy and his creative genius that shaped it."
She praised his brilliant mind and the passion he poured into his work. Most powerfully, she issued a direct plea, stating, "And, to any man fighting battles the world can’t see, I implore you to find the courage to ask for help."
Her words underscore the hidden struggles that can often accompany public success and creativity.
An Outpouring of Love from Community and Industry
The news has prompted an outpouring of grief and fond memories from across Australia. Leonie Hemsworth, mother of actors Liam and Chris Hemsworth, highlighted Stephen's other great passion: music.
She remembered him as a "beloved member of our Byron Bay community; kind, compassionate, generous, modest, all coupled with the sharpest and quickest wit," and a "brilliant DJ" who provided the soundtrack for countless family celebrations.
Close friend Andy Murphy reminisced about their shared youth, calling those years "some of the best of my life." He added, "You were loved by everyone who crossed your path, the kind of person who left places brighter and people better."
The collective mourning confirms Kim Stephen's profound impact, not just as a restaurateur, but as a cherished friend and innovator whose legacy will endure through the vibrant spaces he created.
