Among the many Dutch migrants who enriched Australia’s cultural life, Sjoerd van der Meulen brought a particularly international perspective. Music formed the central thread throughout his life, but the journey that eventually brought him to Australia followed a path across several continents and cultures.
Sjoerd originated from Friesland in the north of the Netherlands. He later studied conducting at the Utrecht Conservatorium under Alfred Salten, building a strong musical foundation that would shape much of his life and career. Over the years he developed broad experience as a music educator, teaching at tertiary and secondary levels as well as privately. Alongside conducting he also worked as an organist and performer.
Before Australia entered the picture, Sjoerd and his spouse Aditya lived an expatriate life in Suriname and Aruba. Both places had long-standing Dutch connections and represented environments where Dutch culture met wider international influences. Their years abroad exposed them to different societies and experiences beyond Europe.
Eventually the couple faced an important question familiar to many migrants and expatriates: where should they establish a permanent home?
As Sjoerd later reflected in an SBS First Generation Story interview, the path to Australia was “not a straight road”. After years of moving between countries and cultures, Sjoerd and Aditya eventually found what they had been looking for in Australia.
The hills surrounding Bellingen in northern New South Wales became home.
The choice proved fitting. Bellingen and nearby Coffs Harbour have long been known for a vibrant cultural and artistic community. Living in the Bellingen hinterland while remaining active in the wider Coffs region allowed Sjoerd to continue a rich musical life.
He later became conductor of the Coffs Orchestra, where his extensive international experience and musical knowledge were highly valued. Orchestra announcements described him as bringing not only expertise but also a gentle sense of humour to rehearsals and performances. Aditya also played an active role as assistant conductor, making music a shared endeavour.
An SBS description of Sjoerd captures his life in Australia in a particularly evocative way: he was “making music in the hills of Bellingen”.
The phrase reflects more than a location. It suggests someone who had travelled widely, experienced different cultures and eventually found a place where music and lifestyle could come together.
Like many Dutch migrants, Sjoerd’s contribution to Australia was made quietly through community life rather than public prominence. Through teaching, conducting and performance he became part of the rich cultural fabric of regional Australia.
There are also two SBS Dutch Radio radio interviews with Sjoerd and Aditya in their archives.
