Heart of Collingwood

The Wellington is a drop in centre in the 'Heart of Collingwood' offering its clients free or heavily subsidised access to meals and a range of health services including chiropractic, acupuncture and yoga. Its clients are either homeless or live locally in community housing. Michael - "I grew in West Sunshine to Maltese parents. At the age of 50 I discovered I am dyslexic and cannot read or write. School was difficult and I have always had trouble getting a job but when i do - I SHINE! I have always enjoyed working with my hands..." Brad - "I am a 31 year old local, rehabilitated mental health patient. I have been in the government system for 14 years and am currently trying to recover from a drug habit." Anita - "In 2011 I had brain surgery to remove a tumor. After the operation I was unable to control my limbs and was on the waiting list for a guide dog as I had no periphery vision. I do exercises every day to improve my vision and I no longer need the dog. My self esteem has returned as I have grown to realise I will not be an invalid." The movement Anita is pictured doing is the exercise she developed herself and consequently regained her sight. Toni - "I am a very privileged and fortunate 70 year old urban bushie... I am happily involved in numerous communities to further my many passions including the recent additions of mental health and gender issues." Kadija - "I came to Australia in 1999 from Nairobi. All my family have died except for one sister. I want to bring my brothers children to Australia except no one know where they are. I feel sick and am very unhappy."

Having grown up with a strong background in creative arts, photography has become another means of artistic expression for me. I have since consolidated my skills, completing a Certificate IV at Photography Studies College, Melbourne and an Advanced Diploma in Photo Imaging â?? Creative Product Development at Tasmanian Polytechnic, Hobart. In 2009, I held my first solo exhibition, â??The Islandâ?? at ONBA, Hobart. This has since become a permanent and ever changing display of my photographic work. I also exhibit and sell photographs in a number of different galleries and restaurants throughout Tasmania. Commercially, I have photographed for a number of prominent Tasmanian brands including â??Stormy Australiaâ?? and â??Fist Handwearâ??. Since focussing on portraiture, I have received a number of awards including â??First Placeâ?? in the Digital Camera Warehouse â??Click 11â?? Photography Prize and four Bronze Merit awards in the professional category of the â??International Loupe Awardsâ??. When photographing people, my style is to document rather than control. I prefer to use natural light to achieve a raw and uninhibited image. In these situations, I feel that my relaxed approach enables me to capture natural and intimate images that best portray the ambience of that unique moment in time.