Pro Patria Centre board director Colin Taggart in the new facility. Photo: Chloe Van Gerwen.
In its mission to provide holistic support to the Riverina’s veterans, the Pro Patria Centre (PPC) is now the permanent home of Defence Shed Wagga Wagga, a hub designed to foster healing, connection, and community engagement among Australian Defence Force veterans.
The official opening took place on 6 December at the PPC, attended by members of the defence and veteran community. Local dignitaries included Federal Member for Riverina Michael McCormack, Independent Member for Wagga Dr Joe McGirr, and Wagga City Deputy Mayor Georgie Davies.
Defence Shed president Jason Frost shared his excitement surrounding the opening.
“It’s great … good to see the Federal Government finally getting involved down here,” Mr Frost said. “Very exciting.”
“[Defence Shed members] are very excited to see what we’re able to do with new facilities.
“It’s exciting to see one of the first kind of major movements happening, but we’ve been fighting this fight for a long time.
“The royal commission [into defence and veteran suicide] has only just highlighted the start of some new pathways. It is a sign of the work that’s still to be done.
“The workshop is a very small part of the larger, holistic approach to rehabilitation we’re working towards.”
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.
“We will have some plastic and 3D printing,” Mr Frost said.
“With the new equipment for metal and woodworking, we’ll be able to do some automated woodworking and metalworking focusing on computer aid design.
“Next year we will be kicking off manufacturing of some small projects.”
PPC board director Colin Taggart said after working hard, members of the veteran and defence community could finally celebrate a home for the Defence Shed.
“This is going to be a great facility for veterans, first responders and their families,” Mr Taggart said.
“It’s a great day of celebration, a lot of hard yards, and thanks to the Wagga community for all their help and support.”
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.
Mr Frost said new medical wings were the next focus for the PPC.
“We will be bringing in some of the medical providers that we’re already working with and then combining that with some research with Charles Sturt University,” he said.
In October, CSU and PPC signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to enhance educational pathways and support systems for veterans transitioning into civilian life.
Under the MoU, CSU and PPC will collaborate on developing education programs, researching veteran health and wellbeing, sharing best practices in veteran support, and raising awareness of veterans’ experiences.
Prefabulous Buildings, a Wagga company, has garnered national attention with a range of architect-designed modular buildings at the cutting edge of environmental innovation.
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