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Sandy

Scheltema

photographer

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This image is currently part of an exhibition, ‘Through Our Eyes: Climate Change in Focus’ at the Australian Embassy in Berlin #ausemb_de.
The #EverydayClimateCrisis visual petition called on Australian Women and non-binary persons to submit images and personal statement showing the State of the Environment and their experience of climate change.
1,247 photos were tabled in the Australian Parliament in July 2022, in a protest now permanently recorded in Parliament’s official record, Hansard.
“The photos tell stories of change, loss, adaptation and resilience and explore the diverse ways in which climate change touches the lives and landscapes of Australia,” said organizer and photographer Hilary Wardhaugh. #hilarywardhaugh
The exhibition in Berlin is a curated selection.
I’m thrilled that Wyn and Isla, whose father Brad, was a SES voluntary Unit Controller at Hepburn Shire Daylesford SES feature in the photo.
It is children like Wyn and Isla that will bear the brunt of extreme weather events increasing due to climate change. They’re seen here shortly after the destructive storm that passed through Central Victoria in June 2021.
Cyclonic force winds caused immense damage, destroying homes, cars and infrastructure. The town of Trentham was completely isolated for three days with no power, communication, safe drinking water or heating, in the dead of winter. Their father, Brad Climie, a volunteer incident controller with the local SES, feared for his life. As he struggled to deal with people trapped in cars, (including a pregnant woman in labor) in 160 km winds, his partner Jo was home with their kids. “I couldn’t get through to Brad, I was so worried about him. We had no power; my phone was going flat. The kids kept asking “Where’s Dad? When are we gonna see Dad?”

This image is currently part of an exhibition, ‘Through Our Eyes: Climate Change in Focus’ at the Australian Embassy in Berlin #ausemb_de.
The #EverydayClimateCrisis visual petition called on Australian Women and non-binary persons to submit images and personal statement showing the State of the Environment and their experience of climate change.
1,247 photos were tabled in the Australian Parliament in July 2022, in a protest now permanently recorded in Parliament’s official record, Hansard.
“The photos tell stories of change, loss, adaptation and resilience and explore the diverse ways in which climate change touches the lives and landscapes of Australia,” said organizer and photographer Hilary Wardhaugh. #hilarywardhaugh
The exhibition in Berlin is a curated selection.
I’m thrilled that Wyn and Isla, whose father Brad, was a SES voluntary Unit Controller at Hepburn Shire Daylesford SES feature in the photo.
It is children like Wyn and Isla that will bear the brunt of extreme weather events increasing due to climate change. They’re seen here shortly after the destructive storm that passed through Central Victoria in June 2021.
Cyclonic force winds caused immense damage, destroying homes, cars and infrastructure. The town of Trentham was completely isolated for three days with no power, communication, safe drinking water or heating, in the dead of winter. Their father, Brad Climie, a volunteer incident controller with the local SES, feared for his life. As he struggled to deal with people trapped in cars, (including a pregnant woman in labor) in 160 km winds, his partner Jo was home with their kids. “I couldn’t get through to Brad, I was so worried about him. We had no power; my phone was going flat. The kids kept asking “Where’s Dad? When are we gonna see Dad?”

One of my favs that will be in the exhibition at the Cosmopolitan Hotel, opening this Sunday at 5.00 pm

One of my favs that will be in the exhibition at the Cosmopolitan Hotel, opening this Sunday at 5.00 pm

A special treat to be given the opportunity to exhibit a small collection of photos in the beautiful Green Room at the Cosmopolitan Hotel.
There'll be lots of pics of our beautiful environment and community.

A special treat to be given the opportunity to exhibit a small collection of photos in the beautiful Green Room at the Cosmopolitan Hotel.
There'll be lots of pics of our beautiful environment and community.

Such a treat to be asked to photograph the musicians at the Woodend Winter Arts Festival.
It was freezing outside but the heat was definitely turned up during this flamenco performance by the Paco Lara Flamenco Duo.
While waiting for Paul Grabowsky I was amazed to see the grand piano being tuned by a visually impaired piano tuner, who was happily listening to the footy while tuning the piano for the performers.

Such a treat to be asked to photograph the musicians at the Woodend Winter Arts Festival.
It was freezing outside but the heat was definitely turned up during this flamenco performance by the Paco Lara Flamenco Duo.
While waiting for Paul Grabowsky I was amazed to see the grand piano being tuned by a visually impaired piano tuner, who was happily listening to the footy while tuning the piano for the performers.

A black and white finish to 2023, some of my favourite images for no reason other than they resonate for me.

Some highlights of the year were having my work exhibited at Pingyao International Festival of Photography and the Ballarat FOTO Biennale, and the book I contributed to being a finalist in Victoria's Resilient Australia Awards.

Working Heritage Victoria, Bendigo Bank, family and corporate portraits, and weddings, were just some of my clients this year, I'm grateful to all the people who put their trust in me to allow me to photograph them.

Let's hope 2024 is the year when our sense of humanity is reinstated, after the atrocities of the last year.

Wishing health and happiness to all for 2024, and finding joy in the small glimmers of life.

A black and white finish to 2023, some of my favourite images for no reason other than they resonate for me.

Some highlights of the year were having my work exhibited at Pingyao International Festival of Photography and the Ballarat FOTO Biennale, and the book I contributed to being a finalist in Victoria's Resilient Australia Awards.

Working Heritage Victoria, Bendigo Bank, family and corporate portraits, and weddings, were just some of my clients this year, I'm grateful to all the people who put their trust in me to allow me to photograph them.

Let's hope 2024 is the year when our sense of humanity is reinstated, after the atrocities of the last year.

Wishing health and happiness to all for 2024, and finding joy in the small glimmers of life.

Finally got back to the place that replenishes me and stuns me with its beauty.

No camera on hand but the old phone worked fine.

" When I am silent
I fall into the place
Where everything is music "

Rumi

#yuragirnationalpark
#yuragircoastalwalk
#blackandwhite
#photography
#rivertosea

Finally got back to the place that replenishes me and stuns me with its beauty.

No camera on hand but the old phone worked fine.

" When I am silent
I fall into the place
Where everything is music "

Rumi

#yuragirnationalpark
#yuragircoastalwalk
#blackandwhite
#photography
#rivertosea

Exciting to be at the opening of the Ballarat International Foto Biennale last night. Here's a selection from my series "Feathers, Dust, Spirit", part of the group exhibition curated by Jeff Moorfoot.
Thanks to @ballaratfoto.
Some fantastic work on show!
#ballaratbiennale
#ballaratinternationalfotobiennale
#documentaryphotographer
#indigenousaustralia

Exciting to be at the opening of the Ballarat International Foto Biennale last night. Here's a selection from my series "Feathers, Dust, Spirit", part of the group exhibition curated by Jeff Moorfoot.
Thanks to @ballaratfoto.
Some fantastic work on show!
#ballaratbiennale
#ballaratinternationalfotobiennale
#documentaryphotographer
#indigenousaustralia

The Ballarat International Foto Biennale is back for its 10th Edition @ballaratfoto 26th August -23rd October.
I’m thrilled to be part of a group exhibition of Regional Photographers curated by the founder of the festival Jeff Moorfoot OAM.

Here’s the festival program .https://issuu.com/ballaratfoto/docs/bif001_full_program_9_issuu/3

My work is called “Feathers, Dust, Spirit” and is projected images of different language groups of the Eastern Kulin Nation.

The Ballarat International Foto Biennale is back for its 10th Edition @ballaratfoto 26th August -23rd October.
I’m thrilled to be part of a group exhibition of Regional Photographers curated by the founder of the festival Jeff Moorfoot OAM.

Here’s the festival program .https://issuu.com/ballaratfoto/docs/bif001_full_program_9_issuu/3

My work is called “Feathers, Dust, Spirit” and is projected images of different language groups of the Eastern Kulin Nation.

Thinking about NAIDOC week and this year's theme, "For Our Elders", reminding us to draw inspiration and guidance from the wisdom of the First People of Australia. A week to honour the heritage of the world's oldest living culture.

I'm remembering how lucky I was to have Uncle Ricky Nelson teach me about Dja Dja Wurrung country, in the Wombat Forest where I live.

#djadjawurrungcountry
#djadjawurrung
#forourelders
#NAIDOCWeek
#NAIDOC2023
#aboriginalaustralia
#wombatforest
#trenthamfalls

Thinking about NAIDOC week and this year's theme, "For Our Elders", reminding us to draw inspiration and guidance from the wisdom of the First People of Australia. A week to honour the heritage of the world's oldest living culture.

I'm remembering how lucky I was to have Uncle Ricky Nelson teach me about Dja Dja Wurrung country, in the Wombat Forest where I live.

#djadjawurrungcountry
#djadjawurrung
#forourelders
#NAIDOCWeek
#NAIDOC2023
#aboriginalaustralia
#wombatforest
#trenthamfalls

Today is called Harmony Day in Australia, but the United Nations marks the day as the International Day for the Elimination of Racism. On this day in 1960 police in Sth Africa fired upon and killed 69 protestors, a horrifying event called the Sharpeville Massacre.

When John Howard was Prime Minister, he didn’t want to upset people by using the word racism, and so changed the name by calling it Harmony Day. It’s a day to celebrate inclusion, but to remember racism is still alive in Australia. Let’s not forget what is behind this day.

Last weekend we had Nazi’s demonstrating on the Parliament House steps, First Nations People are still dying in Police Custody.

“ For to be free is to not merely cast off ones chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.” Nelson Mandela
#racismnoway
#harmonyday
#InternationalDayfortheEliminationofRacialDiscrimination
#womenphotographers
#womenphotographersaustralia

Today is called Harmony Day in Australia, but the United Nations marks the day as the International Day for the Elimination of Racism. On this day in 1960 police in Sth Africa fired upon and killed 69 protestors, a horrifying event called the Sharpeville Massacre.

When John Howard was Prime Minister, he didn’t want to upset people by using the word racism, and so changed the name by calling it Harmony Day. It’s a day to celebrate inclusion, but to remember racism is still alive in Australia. Let’s not forget what is behind this day.

Last weekend we had Nazi’s demonstrating on the Parliament House steps, First Nations People are still dying in Police Custody.

“ For to be free is to not merely cast off ones chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.” Nelson Mandela
#racismnoway
#harmonyday
#InternationalDayfortheEliminationofRacialDiscrimination
#womenphotographers
#womenphotographersaustralia

Celebrating all the wonderful women today on International Women's Day!
Celebrating Women's Achievements everywhere. Here are just a few women I've been lucky to photograph recently in my community.

Women and girls make up half the world's population, and yet not one country has achieved gender equity.
Still, women earn less, have less rights, retire with less super, and do more unpaid labour than men.
Globally, at the current rate of progress, it would take almost 300 years ( according to the UN) for women and girls to have the same rights and protections as men.
#embraceequity2023
@blackgin

Celebrating all the wonderful women today on International Women's Day!
Celebrating Women's Achievements everywhere. Here are just a few women I've been lucky to photograph recently in my community.

Women and girls make up half the world's population, and yet not one country has achieved gender equity.
Still, women earn less, have less rights, retire with less super, and do more unpaid labour than men.
Globally, at the current rate of progress, it would take almost 300 years ( according to the UN) for women and girls to have the same rights and protections as men.
#embraceequity2023
@blackgin

I've taken a break from social media for the last couple of months, after a busy year of assignments.

I've had commissions from Parks Vic, North Central Catchment Management Agency, and the State and National Libraries covering the Federal Election and the legacy of Covid in our community. Plus the smaller jobs of family portraits that I love.

I was thrilled to have my work published in two books; 'Viewfinder-Photography from the 1970's to Now' , and 'The Big Storm'.
I've met so many fantastic people on the shoots. Thank you to all of you!
These are a few of my favorite pics from the last year.
I'm looking forward to a quieter 2023, Happy New Year to all!

I've taken a break from social media for the last couple of months, after a busy year of assignments.

I've had commissions from Parks Vic, North Central Catchment Management Agency, and the State and National Libraries covering the Federal Election and the legacy of Covid in our community. Plus the smaller jobs of family portraits that I love.

I was thrilled to have my work published in two books; 'Viewfinder-Photography from the 1970's to Now' , and 'The Big Storm'.
I've met so many fantastic people on the shoots. Thank you to all of you!
These are a few of my favorite pics from the last year.
I'm looking forward to a quieter 2023, Happy New Year to all!

The brief from @northcentral_cma was to photograph 100 women in one pic for the annual Chicks in the Sticks event ( in 10 mins in midday sun, quite the challenge!)
What a treat to meet all those wonderful inspiring women on a gorgeous spring day at @campdavidfarm .
Two of several inspiring speakers, Madeleine from @3bearsfarmhq and Millie @thethriftygardener spoke passionately about how we can care for each other and the world we live in.
A day of sunshine, spring and laughter.
Thx NCCMA for putting on a fantastic event.

The brief from @northcentral_cma was to photograph 100 women in one pic for the annual Chicks in the Sticks event ( in 10 mins in midday sun, quite the challenge!)
What a treat to meet all those wonderful inspiring women on a gorgeous spring day at @campdavidfarm .
Two of several inspiring speakers, Madeleine from @3bearsfarmhq and Millie @thethriftygardener spoke passionately about how we can care for each other and the world we live in.
A day of sunshine, spring and laughter.
Thx NCCMA for putting on a fantastic event.

Great to learn about Dja Dja Wurrung country from Daikota and her colleagues recently on a shoot for Parks Vic in Castlemaine Diggings National Heritage Park, located on the lands of the Dja Dja Wurrung people.
It's known as "upside-down" country by the Djaara people - country turned on its head by the gold diggings.

Great to learn about Dja Dja Wurrung country from Daikota and her colleagues recently on a shoot for Parks Vic in Castlemaine Diggings National Heritage Park, located on the lands of the Dja Dja Wurrung people.
It's known as "upside-down" country by the Djaara people - country turned on its head by the gold diggings.

So lucky to live in a part of the world where the LGBTIQA community is accepted.

Today is International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia, a day to remember the challenges faced by so many in this community

So lucky to live in a part of the world where the LGBTIQA community is accepted.

Today is International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia, a day to remember the challenges faced by so many in this community

On this International Women's Day, I am thankful for living in our peaceful country, and my thoughts go to all the women fleeing the war in Ukraine.

Of the 1.5 million refugees who have fled since the Russian invasion, the majority are women, in one of the biggest humanitarian crisis since the second World War 2.

An estimated 80,000 women will give birth in Ukraine in the next three months - many without access to critical care. My hope is that leaders prioritise safe passageways and humanitarian corridors for women and children seeking safety.

On this International Women's Day, I am thankful for living in our peaceful country, and my thoughts go to all the women fleeing the war in Ukraine.

Of the 1.5 million refugees who have fled since the Russian invasion, the majority are women, in one of the biggest humanitarian crisis since the second World War 2.

An estimated 80,000 women will give birth in Ukraine in the next three months - many without access to critical care. My hope is that leaders prioritise safe passageways and humanitarian corridors for women and children seeking safety.

Always Was, Always Will Be, Aboriginal Land.

January 26th marks the beginning of genocide, the dispossession of country, and human rights violations for indigenous people of this land.

This day of mourning, loss, and reflection on the survival of the world's oldest culture.

As aboriginal poet Oodgeroo Noonuccal wrote:"Let no-one say the past is dead, the past is all around us and within."

Always Was, Always Will Be, Aboriginal Land.

January 26th marks the beginning of genocide, the dispossession of country, and human rights violations for indigenous people of this land.

This day of mourning, loss, and reflection on the survival of the world's oldest culture.

As aboriginal poet Oodgeroo Noonuccal wrote:"Let no-one say the past is dead, the past is all around us and within."

Such a privilege to work on this shoot on gender equity and diversity for Hepburn Shire Council and meet people like Youth Support Officer Abby.

Such a privilege to work on this shoot on gender equity and diversity for Hepburn Shire Council and meet people like Youth Support Officer Abby.

Some of my favourite portraits I've shot in 21, that make me think of love, community, and resilience, themes that resonated with me this past year.
What a joy it's been to tell people's stories.
Thankyou to everyone who allowed me to photograph them in 21, Happy New Year, and Best Wishes for 2022!

Some of my favourite portraits I've shot in 21, that make me think of love, community, and resilience, themes that resonated with me this past year.
What a joy it's been to tell people's stories.
Thankyou to everyone who allowed me to photograph them in 21, Happy New Year, and Best Wishes for 2022!

I'm loving working on an assignment for Hepburn Shire Council on Gender Equity and Diversity, and meeting people like gardener Lizzie at Daylesford Botanic Gardens.

I'm loving working on an assignment for Hepburn Shire Council on Gender Equity and Diversity, and meeting people like gardener Lizzie at Daylesford Botanic Gardens.

Love these volunteers in our community.They are the glue that keep us together in events like the massive storm we had in June.
Out in all weather, at all hours, keeping us safe. We love your work.

Love these volunteers in our community.They are the glue that keep us together in events like the massive storm we had in June.
Out in all weather, at all hours, keeping us safe. We love your work.

Who knew there was such a thing as 'Hug a Chicken Day' ?
We love our girls and all the eggs and fertilizer for the garden they provide.
Celebrating chooks everywhere!

#hugachickenday
#hugachicken
#permaculturegarden
#chickens

Who knew there was such a thing as 'Hug a Chicken Day' ?
We love our girls and all the eggs and fertilizer for the garden they provide.
Celebrating chooks everywhere!

#hugachickenday
#hugachicken
#permaculturegarden
#chickens

Another from my ‘Stories of the Storm’ series, showcasing tales of courage, tenacity, bravery, and resilience within our community. Today's features Paul Hilder, Director of Nursing at Trentham Aged Care (Central Highlands Rural Health).

Against all odds, Paul battled kilometres of roads blocked by fallen massive trees, navigating his way over, under and through with his bicycle to reach the residents at Trentham Aged Care Centre.

All roads into Trentham were blocked, and the town had no power, phones or drinking water for three days in winter weather.

“We can be proud and grateful that we live in such a caring, beautiful supportive community. We need to take time to reflect on that. Look what’s happening in Afghanistan—it really does make you take stock of how fortunate we are in this community. Even before I started the ride through the fallen logs, I knew my staff and the community would do all they could within their powers to ensure the safety of the residents.” Paul Hilder

Paul is seen here with some of the logs,now cleared off the road by emergency services, that he climbed over with his bike so he could care for the aged care residents.

Funded by Hepburn Shire Hepburn Shire Council, Trentham and Districts Community Bank and the Trentham Lions Club

Another from my ‘Stories of the Storm’ series, showcasing tales of courage, tenacity, bravery, and resilience within our community. Today's features Paul Hilder, Director of Nursing at Trentham Aged Care (Central Highlands Rural Health).

Against all odds, Paul battled kilometres of roads blocked by fallen massive trees, navigating his way over, under and through with his bicycle to reach the residents at Trentham Aged Care Centre.

All roads into Trentham were blocked, and the town had no power, phones or drinking water for three days in winter weather.

“We can be proud and grateful that we live in such a caring, beautiful supportive community. We need to take time to reflect on that. Look what’s happening in Afghanistan—it really does make you take stock of how fortunate we are in this community. Even before I started the ride through the fallen logs, I knew my staff and the community would do all they could within their powers to ensure the safety of the residents.” Paul Hilder

Paul is seen here with some of the logs,now cleared off the road by emergency services, that he climbed over with his bike so he could care for the aged care residents.

Funded by Hepburn Shire Hepburn Shire Council, Trentham and Districts Community Bank and the Trentham Lions Club

Feel privileged to be funded by Hepburn Shire Council, Trentham and Districts Community Bank and the Trentham Lions Club to produce ‘Stories of The Storm’ - a photo essay showcasing stories of courage, tenacity, bravery, and resilience within our community.

The first story was told by the wonderful SES volunteer Brad Climie, seen in the image above with his children Wyn and Isla

Some excerpts from Brad’s story:
“I’m trying to get my members out, my neighbour sent the women in labour back to Trentham, I’ve got members trapped on the roadside in 160 kilometre-an-hour winds in the dark, I’ve got an assist Ambulance for a birth in Trentham, an assist Ambulance for oxygen bottles for people trapped in cars at Trentham Falls, I’ve got an assist Ambulance for a heart attack in Daylesford, and multiple people trapped in their homes.”
“Events like this bring out the best and worst in people. We live in a place that can be volatile. Building resilience and community connections is important because it helps us help ourselves and others”

Feel privileged to be funded by Hepburn Shire Council, Trentham and Districts Community Bank and the Trentham Lions Club to produce ‘Stories of The Storm’ - a photo essay showcasing stories of courage, tenacity, bravery, and resilience within our community.

The first story was told by the wonderful SES volunteer Brad Climie, seen in the image above with his children Wyn and Isla

Some excerpts from Brad’s story:
“I’m trying to get my members out, my neighbour sent the women in labour back to Trentham, I’ve got members trapped on the roadside in 160 kilometre-an-hour winds in the dark, I’ve got an assist Ambulance for a birth in Trentham, an assist Ambulance for oxygen bottles for people trapped in cars at Trentham Falls, I’ve got an assist Ambulance for a heart attack in Daylesford, and multiple people trapped in their homes.”
“Events like this bring out the best and worst in people. We live in a place that can be volatile. Building resilience and community connections is important because it helps us help ourselves and others”

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@sandyscheltema

© 2025 Sandy Scheltema. All rights reserved.

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