Defence Shed manager Graham Semlitzky and Pro Patria Property Trust trustee secretary Alan Lean outside the Prefabulous Defence Men’s Sheds. Photo: Shri Gayathirie Rajen.
In its mission to deliver holistic support to Riverina’s veterans, the Pro Patria Centre (PPC) is nearing completion of its new permanent home for the Wagga Defence Men’s Shed.
In March, PPC signed a contract with Prefabulous Buildings to provide two purpose-built facilities specifically designed by the Defence Men’s Shed members — an industrial arts workshop and a classroom/computer lab to be used as a learning hub.
“These two separate buildings are modular and built here in the yard in Wagga,” said Prefabulous project manager and estimator Rob Edwards.
“They will be divided in half, transported to the site, and placed into position at PPC.
“We started construction in March with a few little delays, but we should be able to have them complete on-site and on time.”
Mr Edwards said working on the project for Pro Patria was “great”.
He noted that the Prefabulous team and several local businesses — Price Plumbing, Riverina Custom Claddings, and Josh McKenzie Electrical — volunteered their time and services to the project.
“It’s great to see the Defence Men’s Shed and the Pro Patria guys benefit from these builds,” Mr Edwards said.
“It’s been our pleasure to help them out and support their progress.”
Defence Shed manager Graham Semlitzky is elated to see the purpose-built facilities nearing completion.
“We’ve been without a workshop for nearly a year, and once these are in place, things are going to move forward,” Mr Semlitzky said.
“We’re looking forward to it. The guys and girls are all like, ‘Fingers crossed, it will be here soon!’
“They’re quite happy it’s finally getting there.”
Mr Semlitzky said the Defence Shed was running 3D printing and forging programs and also engaging in beekeeping.
“They’re in progress at the moment. Once these sheds are in, we’ll expand into woodwork and metalwork.”
Pro Patria Property Trust trustee secretary Alan Lean and Defence Shed Manager Graham Semlitzky are looking forward to having the sheds at the Pro Patria Centre after the long weekend. Photo: Shri Gayathirie Rajen.
Pro Patria Property Trust trustee secretary Alan Lean said the team was looking to transport the buildings after the long weekend.
“People living in the area will see the modules being taken across the bridge and into the Pro Patria site,” Mr Lean said. “It’ll be an exciting day for everybody.
“As soon as we have them in place, and Graham and his team can fit them out for their requirements, we’ll have an official opening on 6 December.
“It’s fabulous to think we’ve reached this stage and are finalising the modules.”
Mr Lean noted that the Department of Veterans Affairs funded a special tender to build a new home for the Defence Men’s Shed but did not cover all necessary costs, requiring additional community funding and volunteer support.
“Staff at Pro Patria and Prefabulous, along with volunteers, have helped on-site to get us to this stage,” Mr Lean said.
“Community support, in addition to the tender, made it possible to give the Defence Shed a new home — a place for them to develop, work, and look after each other as they do so well.”
Prefabulous Buildings, a Wagga company, has garnered national attention with a range of architect-designed modular buildings that are at the cutting edge of environmental innovation.
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