By Gabriella Payne
The Cockatoo and Upwey communities have swung their support behind the bereaved family of husband, father and small business owner Jamin Swaneveld who died when his motorcycle and a car collided in Emerald on the morning of Saturday 6 March.
Mr Swaneveld, the owner of Last Frontier Tattoos Upwey, leaves behind his beloved wife Marcia and two children, Willow and BJ.
Family friend Natalie Leys set up a GoFundMe page, which to date has raised more than $55,000 for the family.
According to a tribute on the GoFundMe page Mr Swaneveld recently closed his tattoo parlour in the main street of Upwey to invest his time and money hand-crafting a new studio at his home. Mr Swaneveld was only two weeks from opening, before his dream was cut short.
The tribute to Mr Swaneveld describes him as a “true gentleman and much loved community member – who touched many with not only his artistry but lending a quiet ear or sharing a heart-felt laugh“.
Just days after the fundraising effort began, Ms Leys posted that the family had been “overwhelmed by the show of love for Jamin“ describing it as a “beautiful show of community“.
Some donors didn’t even know Mr Swaneveld but felt moved by the tragedy to donate. One donor said he lived in Cockatoo and also rode a motorcycle.
“I also have two young kids and the thought of not being there for them is too much,” he wrote.
Another donor said his inking sessions with Mr Swaneveld were “always filled with deep conversations about life, people and the world“.
“Jamin, I am covered in your work, meaning I get to carry you around with me always. You were an absolute gentleman, a beautiful spirit, a much loved part of the hills community and I just cannot believe you’re gone.”
Yet another said he was “honoured to carry your artistic talent as one of your canvases to my grave”.
It is believed that Mr Swaneveld was travelling west on the Belgrave Gembrook Road around 9.45am when the accident occurred.
Emergency services were called to the accident, but Mr Swaneveld died at the scene.
The driver of the other vehicle involved in the tragic accident, a 37-year-old Narre Warren man, stopped at the scene and spoke with police, and has since been charged with dangerous driving causing death.
The Narre Warren man was driving a Holden utility vehicle and police are urging anyone who witnessed the accident, has dashcam footage or may have any other information to come forward to assist them with their investigation.
Call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
If you would like to donate money to help support Mr Swaneveld’s family in this difficult time, visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-support-local-family-after-tragic-accident
