Musos band together to replace Denise’s camera

WHEN Denise O’Hara’s camera and lenses were stolen by thieves who broke in to her Glenroi home last year, she thought it’d take years for her to replace the expensive equipment.

However it looks as if Ms O’Hara’s luck is about to change thanks to the generosity of some of Orange’s musicians.

Musician Ray Vanderby is staging a fundraiser in Ms O’Hara’s honour in the hope of raising money to cover a new camera and one or two lenses.

Mr Vanderby said he’d long admired Ms O’Hara’s photography, particularly the photos she’d taken at live performances both locally and interstate.

“She’s taken pictures of most of the rock banks in Orange,” Mr Vanderby said.

“She’s been supporting the youth of Orange and the music scene for many, many years.

“She’s a great rock photographer.”

Mr Vanderby is organising a fundraising benefit at the Victoria Hotel on May 11, where a number of  bands, including his own band Eros, will raise money for Ms O’Hara.

“I felt really sorry for her,” he said.

“I know how I’d feel, when it’s your passion it’s your whole life.”

Ms O’Hara said while replacing the camera would be great, the lenses would prove the most expensive to purchase.

While she’s grateful for the fundraiser, Ms O’Hara admits she feels “quite awkward” about it.

“I’m not used to drawing attention to myself, I’m a behind the scenes person,” she said.

Mr Vanderby said he hopes businesses will come forward with items to be raffled on the night.

Mr Vanderby hopes to raise around $6000 from donations on the night and raffled items.

He said Camera House had also offered to help by selling them the replacement camera and equipment at a good rate.

Ms O’Hara said she’s previously given up hope of ever having her own equipment returned to her and is trying to put the robbery behind her.

“Every time I read about someone else getting robbed, I get angry again,” she said.

tracey.prisk@fairfaxmedia.com.au