We've got deductible gift recipient status!

Warrnambool Community Garden has celebrated an important new milestone: we've been officially endorsed as a Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) under the Community Sheds category as of 18 May 2025.​

What this means

This endorsement means that anyone who donates to the Warrnambool Community Garden can now claim a tax deduction on their contribution. Donations may include money, garden materials, or tools that directly support the garden’s educational, environmental, and social programs.

With this status, the garden joins thousands of other community sheds around Australia recognised for advancing mental health and reducing social isolation through shared activity and community connection.​

Why community sheds matter

The Community Sheds DGR category was created in 2020 to support organisations that provide safe, inclusive spaces where people come together to work on projects, learn skills, and build belonging. Community sheds, ranging from men’s and women’s sheds to inclusive community-based gardens like Warrnambool’s, play an important role in fostering wellbeing, reducing loneliness, and promoting hands-on social engagement.​

What’s ahead for the garden

Becoming DGR-endorsed is a major step that broadens opportunities for the garden’s future grants, sponsorships, and community fundraising.

Fundraising efforts are focused on making the garden an even more welcoming, accessible, and vibrant space for the community. Key projects needing funds include:

• Better road signage and visibility: Improving signage around the garden to help visitors easily find the garden and increase safety and awareness for all who come to enjoy the space.

• Seating for the garden: Adding more seating areas to create comfortable spots for rest, socialising, and appreciating the garden’s beauty.

• Optimising the HUB: Upgrading the Healthy Urban Building (HUB) to enhance its usability, including a commercial dishwasher to improve food preparation and event hosting capabilities.

• Stage for events & PA equipment: Building a stage to host community events, performances, and cultural celebrations and having the gear to run the events, making the garden a hub for entertainment and connection.

These improvements aim to support the garden’s broad range of educational, environmental, and social programs, ensuring it remains an inclusive place where all can come together to grow, learn, and celebrate. Donations directed to these projects will directly contribute to enhancing the garden’s community spirit and sustainability.​

Donate now!

Warrnambool Community Garden’s leadership expressed gratitude to its dedicated volunteers and supporters who made the endorsement possible, noting that it reflects years of sustained community care, environmental learning, and shared purpose.