Bellingen community remembers Jamie Park

The Bellingen Shire community is in mourning following the recent passing of James ‘Jamie’ Park, a revered local businessman, engineer, and artist. Jamie, along with his wife Libby, was the co-owner of the iconic Bellingen Kitchen Shop, on Hyde Street.
Born in Australia, Jamie ventured to the UK in the early 1970s, where he embarked on a career with a British civil engineering firm. His work took him to various international locations including Jeddah, where he contributed to a desalination plant project; Paraguay for a port project; and Singapore, where he worked on the mass rapid transit system.
It was in England in 1974 that Jamie met Libby, the love of his life. The couple travelled and worked together, spending some time in Munich where Jamie took on diverse roles such as a hotel cleaner and a live fish transport driver, showcasing his willingness to embrace any challenge.
Returning to Australia in 1987, Jamie and Libby settled down and raised four children, immersing themselves in community life and various projects, including property redevelopment and subdivisions. Jamie was also a skilled sketch and pastel artist, specializing in portraits. His artistic talent was recognized in his participation in the 2023 Mantova Art Prize competition and through his support of Camp Creative.
In 2012, the Parks moved to the North Coast, captivated by the beauty and friendliness of the Bellingen Shire. Jamie worked as a civil engineer with the Coffs Harbour City Council for a year before he and Libby took over the management of the Kitchen Shop, which they ran successfully for nine years.
Libby Park expressed her deep gratitude to the local community and healthcare professionals who provided extraordinary support when Jamie fell ill at their shop.
“Special thanks to the on-site doctor, local police officers Luke and Kayla, and the emergency team at Coffs Harbour Health Campus,” she said. Libby also emphasised the critical role of defibrillators and the importance of public knowledge about their location and use, calling them a “vital tool in helping to prevent these types of emergencies.”
Jamie’s funeral service was held last Wednesday at Hogbin Drive Crematorium. His loss is deeply felt by many in the community, where his warm, humorous, and magnetic presence had a lasting impact.
The Bellingen Shire News and its readership extend heartfelt condolences to Libby and their family during this difficult time. Jamie Park will be profoundly missed but fondly remembered for his remarkable life and wonderful contribution to our region.
James ‘Jamie’ Park