PICAL donations now tax deductible

Phillip Island Community and Learning Centre (PICAL) can now accept tax-deductible donations from individual community members.

This is set to create new opportunities for PICAL to grow its impact and strengthen the community into the future.

Through its membership with the Australian Neighbourhood Houses and Centres Association (ANHCA), PICAL has been granted Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status.

This milestone supports PICAL's long-term sustainability and opens the door for the community to play a key role in shaping what comes next.

For more than 40 years, PICAL has been a cornerstone of island life - listening, responding and evolving alongside community needs.

DGR status builds on this strong foundation, enabling PICAL to plan ahead and expand opportunities for connection, learning and support.

"PICAL can provide basic services within the funding it receives. However, with financial support from the community, we can do a lot more together.," explains Graeme Turner, President of the PICAL Committee of Management.

"DGR status gives people who believe in PICAL and the impact we make a practical way to invest in the future of our community.

"We operate responsibly and within our means," he adds.

"But we're always looking ahead - thinking about how we can respond to emerging needs, strengthening what's working well and ensuring PICAL is here for generations to come."

PICAL's future is built on people.

A modest team of part-time paid staff is supported by an extraordinary volunteer base contributing more than 400 hours each week.

"Volunteers are the heart of PICAL. They don't just help us deliver services - they help shape the kind of community we want to be," explains Graeme.

"Stronger together isn't just something we say. It's how we work - through partnerships and community action - to build a stronger Bass Coast and a thriving Phillip Island into the future."

Graeme said while continued government investment remains essential, DGR status gives PICAL another pathway to strengthen its long-term viability and grow community-led solutions.

Donations from individuals can be made via ANHCA through direct transfer and a simple online donor form.

Donors receive a tax-deductible receipt by email and funds are disbursed to PICAL within three to five business days, less a five per cent administration fee.

More information is available at www.anhca.org/donate
Donors can choose where funds donated go, for example general operations or a specific program.

A list of programs is available on PICAL's website. Donors may also choose to remain anonymous or may like to be acknowledged publicly.

For further information and/or to make a tax-deductible donation go to www.pical.org.au/donate or call David Rooks, Centre Manager PICAL, on 0400 655 540.