The fundraising potential of Men’s and Women’s Sheds will be boosted thanks to reform announced by the Government in the 2019 Budget.
The Government is following through on its commitment to grant Men’s and Women’s Sheds Deductible Gift Recipient status. That means anyone who donates $2 or more to a Shed can claim an income tax deduction for that donation.
Over 1,000 Sheds across the country provide social support and camaraderie to Australians who need it most. They also improve peoples’ health and wellbeing.
Finance Minister Mathias Cormann today saw first-hand the positive impact Sheds have during a visit to Buderim Men’s Shed on the Sunshine Coast.
“Men’s and Women’s Sheds are part of the fabric of our communities and they play a leading role in improving the health and wellbeing of Australians,” Minister Cormann said.
“To show our support for the important work they do, the Government is giving every day Australians and philanthropists an extra incentive to donate to their local Shed.
“We are working to ensure Men’s and Women’s Sheds have access to Deductible Gift Recipient status to enable greater support for the Sheds and enhance their power to transform lives.”
Member for Fairfax Ted O’Brien MP said the commitment will put Men’s and Women’s Sheds on an even playing field with 29,000 other organisations benefitting from DGR status.
“With 15 Men’s Sheds across the Sunshine Coast and a Women’s Shed too, the Shed movement is going from strength to strength,” Mr O’Brien said.
“But even at the best of times Sheds find it hard to make ends meet. There are high costs involved in keeping Sheds open, from purchasing new equipment to building new facilities.
“The Government’s commitment will lead to further donations which will enable Sheds to continue delivering services in our communities.
“Sheds are a place for people to come and bond with others. They’re about driving social inclusion to address issues of loneliness and mental health conditions.
“They’re also here to help people gain satisfaction. Building a bench for a nursing home or repairing old bikes for children to learn to ride on can give someone a sense of purpose they might not find elsewhere.”