New purpose-built Defence Shed to commence workshops and classes

The keys to the Defence Shed Wagga Wagga have been officially handed over after a year since the commencement of the project to provide two purpose-built facilities for veterans.

Defence Shed Wagga Wagga is a hub designed by shed members to foster healing, connection, and community engagement among Australian Defence Force veterans.

The facilities include an industrial arts workshop and a classroom/computer lab to be used as a learning hub.

Project builder Prefabulous Buildings director Gavin King handed over the keys to the finished buildings to Defence Shed president Gary Morrison on 12 March at the Pro Patria Centre (PPC) in Ashmont.

Feeling excited to receive the keys, Mr Morrison told Region the project to get the new facilities off the ground was the culmination of years of hard work.

“It’s fantastic. We used to be at the Salvation Army’s rear premises on Edward Street, which was very small,” Mr Morrison said.

“Pro Patria is all about a holistic approach to healing. We have medical facilities upstairs, and the Defence Shed will help members engage with the community, build camaraderie, and provide a sense of purpose.

“They’ll also be learning new skills, and we’re developing the land further. This is a big step in the direction of the Pro Patria Centre’s support for veterans, first responders, and their families.”

One module has an administration section, a classroom with video and audio equipment and a training room for 3D printing. The second module is divided into sections for woodwork and metalwork. Welding training, plasma cutting, and other steel craft activities are available, while the woodworking area offers lathes, tools and training.

Mr Morrison said classes would soon begin in 3D printing, welding, timber work, and forging, and the shed members were looking forward to starting the courses.

“We had a big barbecue here to welcome the members to the new Defence Shed and let them know that any course they want to do will be made available to them, and we’ll make it happen.”

Mr Morrison said the Defence Shed was an integral part of Pro Patria for a garrison town like Wagga Wagga and its surrounding areas.

“The Defence Shed is not only open to veterans, first responders, and their families, but also to people who share the same ethos, providing a space for us to gather.”

Mr King said that when Pro Patria Property Trust trustee secretary Alan Lane and chair Dr Gordon Saggers contacted the Wagga-based builders last year and explained what they were trying to achieve, it sounded like a worthwhile project.

“Both of these men are community-minded, and we managed to fit the project into our schedule,” Mr King said.

“We’re very glad it’s turned out to be a quality project. The Defence Shed members have gone to further trouble to put quality equipment into it and establish the grounds.

“It’s a great community initiative, and we’re very proud to be a part of it. We see the good that it can do for the community.”

In March 2024, Pro Patria Centre signed a contract with Prefabulous Buildings to provide two purpose-built facilities specifically designed by the Defence Men’s Shed members.

The two purpose-built sheds were constructed at Bowman and transported to PPC after completion.

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 the community’s financial input and volunteer support.

The facilities were officially opened last December and attended by members of the defence and veteran communities. Local dignitaries included Member for Riverina Michael McCormack, Member for Wagga Dr Joe McGirr, and Wagga City Deputy Mayor Georgie Davies.

Prefabulous Buildings, a Wagga company, has garnered national attention with its range of architect-designed modular buildings, which are at the cutting edge of environmental innovation.