The charity fundraising group applied to council, which owns the land, to construct a car port-style awning at the front and side of the old Tomakin Fire Shed, which it has used for its garage sales since 2001.

The organisation now uses tarps to shield the many donated items from the weather and volunteers carry items in and out for display on sale days.

The council yesterday voted to give owner’s consent for the upgrade, and granted the group a five-year licence.

Its previous licence to operate expired in 2010, when the group was looking to expand its operation.

As the shed is on community land, the council is required to consult the community about the proposal, and feedback will be sought through a 28-day public exhibition period.

A report presented to council yesterday said sales were “extremely popular” and fundraising efforts “very successful”.

The group has raised more than $1.2 million and hopes to raise more than $150,000 this financial year for the Sydney Children’s Hospital Foundation.

Rally for Recovery president John Lightfoot said the works would allow the organisation to put up more permanent storage shelving for displaying various items.

“It will make life easier for volunteers and also for people who come in to look at the goods,” he said.

“It’s a safety issue as well.”

Mr Lightfoot said the Rally recently won a $5000 Clubs NSW grant through Tomakin Sports and Social Club.

The funds will go toward the much-needed upgrade.

“Rally for Recovery is extremely thankful to the club and the board for this grant,” Mr Lightfoot said.

“There are many local businesses that in their own quiet way support Rally and the Rally shed in so many ways.

“Rally also receives tremendous support from the general community and the Eurobodalla Shire Council.

We are also thankful for the support of Fairfax Media.”

The next big sale is on June 6.

“We are keeping our fingers crossed for good weather,” Mr Lightfoot said.