“YOU CAN’T REPLACE MEMORIES”: UNCLE TREVOR WALLY ON LOSING HIS CAMERA GEAR

Highly respected photographer and cultural documenter Uncle Trevor Wally has suffered a major loss after his home was broken into and a large amount of professional camera equipment was stolen — including high-end cameras, lenses, a computer, software, and a drone. This is the second time Uncle Trevor has been targeted, and the theft has taken away not only expensive tools, but irreplaceable memories captured on memory cards that were never downloaded.

Uncle Trevor explained that professional photography is about far more than just owning a camera. Quality equipment, specialised lenses, licensed software, backup systems, and years of skill are all required to produce images suitable for posters, magazines, cultural records, and community history. Much of the equipment stolen took years to build up and cannot simply be replaced overnight. As he shared, when professional gear is stolen, the loss goes beyond money — it includes moments, milestones, and stories that can never be recreated.

Much of Uncle Trevor’s work has been dedicated to community and culture. From NAIDOC celebrations and sporting achievements to documenting sacred and significant cultural sites using aerial drone photography, his images preserve history for future generations. Many of these moments are captured freely, without expectation of payment, ensuring people who may never otherwise have access to professional photography still receive images they can treasure for life.

In response, Uncle Trevor’s son Phil Wally has set up a GoFundMe campaign to help replace the stolen equipment and support Uncle Trevor in continuing his important work. Any contribution, no matter the size, will help put him back on his feet. https://gofund.me/78761f462

If you’re unable to donate, sharing the fundraiser is another powerful way to show support.

To listen to the interview with Tangiora Hinaki click on the link below.