05/06/2026
MEDIA RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Turning Capital Gains Tax into community good: helping patients Rise Above cancer
5 June 2026
With Capital Gains Tax dominating recent headlines, Canberra locals are being encouraged to turn financial gains into community good by supporting cancer patients in their region.
The team at Rise Above Cancer Relief knows first-hand the life-changing impact individuals can make when turning their tax burden into community benefit.
Community Engagement Manager, Belinda (Bin) Barnier, said “We were astonished last week when a Canberra man brought in a cheque for $50,000! We were in tears knowing how much difference we can make for people with a donation like that”
With more local cancer patients seeking support than ever, Rise Above is calling on individuals who have sold investment properties, shares, or businesses this financial year to consider making a tax-deductible donation before 30 June.
Rise Above helps cancer patients with funding for food, fuel to get to appointments, medicines and fertility preservation. This financial year over 800 local people have turned to Rise Above when the financial impact of cancer treatment became too much for them to handle alone.
“Over the past few months, we have been hearing from more patients who are having to choose between food on the table for their family or fuel to travel to their treatment appointments.” Ms Barnier said. “If you’ve had a financial gain this year, there’s a real opportunity to turn that into something that leaves a lasting impact in our community.”
A smart and meaningful choice
While every individual’s financial situation is different, donations to organisations with Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status may reduce taxable income. “Donating to a registered charity with DGR status, like Rise Above, can help reduce your taxable income, while directly supporting local people going through cancer.”
“In many cases, a significant portion of a donation is effectively offset through tax savings,” Ms Barnier said.
“It means people can make a meaningful difference and support their community, while also making a financially smart decision.”
Rise Above is encouraging individuals to speak with their accountant or financial adviser about how charitable giving may fit into their end-of-year planning.
Keeping impact local. Unlike larger national charities, Rise Above focuses exclusively on supporting people within the local region.
“Every dollar raised stays right here in our community,” Ms Barnier said. “It goes directly to helping people access treatment, put food on the table, and manage everyday expenses during one of the toughest times in their lives.”
EOFY deadline approaching. Donations must be made before 30 June to be included in this financial year.
“This is a chance to turn a tax obligation into something positive to help ensure no one in our community has to choose between their treatment and basic essentials,” Ms Barnier said.
To learn more or make a donation, visit:
www.riseabovecbr.org.au/donate
Media Contact
Belinda (Bin) Barnier, Community Engagement Manager
Rise Above – Capital Region Cancer Relief
[email protected] Mobile: 0412 620 524
ACT Eden-Monaro Cancer Support Group T/A Rise Above – Capital Region Cancer Relief
Deductible Tax Recipient DGR
Registered Charity ACNC Registered
Note to editors
Tax outcomes depend on individual circumstances. Individuals are encouraged to seek independent financial advice.
Over 2400 locals are diagnosed with cancer each year, this number does not include the family unit that is also impacted - emotionally and financially. By donating to Rise Above, the funds stay local and go directly to patients and families struggling with the cost of cancer.
