The Carmelite Monastery is being transformed into a clinical treatment support site for veterans, defence and emergency support personnel. Photo: Supplied.
The Pro Patria Centre is set to host a family fun day on Saturday for the community to learn more about the work done by the centre for veterans and first responders.
The Pro Patria Property Trust is transforming the Carmelite Monastery into a clinical treatment support site for veterans, defence and emergency support personnel.
The centre will serve as an innovative multidisciplinary facility that provides sorely needed holistic health treatments to veterans and first responders.
The family fun day will be held at the Carmelite Monastery from 10 am to 2 pm on Saturday 15 April.
Pro Patria Property Trust trustee secretary Alan Lean said the day would be a fun day for all.
“There’s going to be pony rides, face painting, children’s games and 60 antique historic cars will be on display along with a Jurassic Park car,” he said.
“We’re also going to have Lawrence the daredevil and Lockhart’s daredevil extraordinaire Jackson Strong.
“Kapooka Band will be there while the Rugby Men’s Choir will be singing from the chapel,” he said.
There will be plenty of food, coffee and ice cream and more for all to indulge in.
Mr Lean said the most important part of the day was for people to learn about what Pro Patria Centre did.
“Many of our services providers will be there to share what they do and how they do with the visitors,” he said.
“We’re trying to encourage everybody in town to come and learn about Pro Patria because so many people say to me when I mention it, ‘What does Pro Patria do?’.
“It is critical now and it’s a unique development for the support of veterans and first responders up till now not receiving this kind of support,” Mr Lean said.
Mr Lean said Pro Patria Property Trust had been planning the event for three months.
“We’re very happy … we’ve got real stories to tell,” he said.
“The mayor (Wagga Cr Dallas Tout) and Kay Hull will be there along with a couple of veterans to welcome the visitors.”
Mr Lean said the general fundraising for the centre had been progressing well and was “wonderfully supported by the local community”.
Pro Patria Property Trust, Wagga Wagga.TV, Australian actor John Wood and Riverina Bluebell joined forces to raise $1.5 million for the Pro Patria Centre and produced a 20-minute documentary – A Call to Action: Your Defence, Our Battle.
The documentary sheds light on the PPC’s breakthrough and calls for people to donate money to secure the monastery.
For those who are unable to attend the open day but who wish to donate to the centre, click here.
If this story has raised any issues for you, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14, Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467, the Defence All-hours Support Line on 1800 628 036, Open Arms on 1800 011 046 or Soldier On on 1300 620 380
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