Federal Member for Riverina Michael McCormack says a $71,054 Federal grant to Pro Patria will enable the wellbeing centre to continue to deliver better outcomes for Veterans.
“Pro Patria Centre, along with Defence Shed Wagga Wagga, has been doing a power of good for Veterans and this $71,000 in funding, through the 2024-25 Veteran Wellbeing Grants Program, will help the centre enhance the wellbeing of 30 Veterans and Defence Personnel through social connection programs and skill-building activities,” Mr McCormack said.
“This grant will allow Defence Shed Wagga Wagga to expand its services to give Veterans the opportunity to develop new skills, boost confidence and improve social connections and community ties.
“Through developing practical skills through these programs, Veterans enrich their future employment prospects.”
Pro Patria Director Jacqui Van de Velde welcomed the announcement and said the funding would support the Centre’s programs, particularly through its association with Defence Shed Wagga.
Since its inception, Pro Patria has been delivering on its core mission to provide an innovative multidisciplinary facility to help Veterans, and first responders, develop skills to become more self-reliant and provide support to manage their own wellbeing and enable them to better adjust to post-service life.
The Federal Government’s Veteran Wellbeing Grants Program provides funding for eligible organisations to deliver community-based projects and activities for the Veteran community. The program offers small grants up to $50,000 and large grants from $50,001 to $200,000.
Eligible organisations must either be an ex-service organisation (ESO) as per the Grant Opportunity Guidelines or be a non-ESO in a consortium with at least one ESO and also be one of the eligible entity types listed in the Grant Opportunity Guidelines. Unincorporated ESOs, such as some sub-branches, are ineligible, but the main incorporated ESO branch can form a consortium with unincorporated sub-branch(es) and submit the application on their behalf.