Volunteers and visitors to Tomakin’s Rally For Recovery op-shop will soon enjoy a new accessible shed, thanks to a $18,500 grant from the Albanese Labor Government’s Stronger Communities Programme.

During a visit to the region, Federal Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme, Senator Jenny McAllister, and Federal Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips dropped into the shed today (Thursday 14 August) to congratulate the volunteers.

The funding boost will upgrade the Rally For Recovery facility to make it accessible for the volunteers who have raised more than $4 million for the Sydney Children’s Hospital Foundation (SCHF), as well as visitors.

The grant is one of nine that have been awarded to organisations across Gilmore for infrastructure projects that deliver social benefits for local communities.

“These upgrades will mean that people with disability can volunteer more easily, connect with the community and take part in the wonderful fundraising efforts at Rally for Recovery,” Senator McAllister said.

Mrs Phillips said she was pleased to support the Rally For Recovery that has been run entirely by volunteers for almost 25 years.

“This organisation does amazing work and their new shed will provide better access for the more than 40 volunteers as well as people dropping off donations and buying goods,” she said.

“What started out as a car rally has morphed into a fantastic op-shop where people can grab a bargain for their house or garden, while reducing landfill and, importantly, helping kids with cancer.”

Rally For recovery vice president Michael Hitchcock said the new shed was due for completion in late August, early September.

“We’ll have an 18 metre by 7.5 metre shed that is fully insulated and fully accessible,” he said.

“We’re demolishing the mish-mash of old sheds that we have been operating out of.

“The new shed will have air-con and departments, such as furniture, books and tools, and people will be able to walk around and see everything much easier.”

The shed is open from 8.30am until 12pm Wednesday and Saturdays.