Over the weekend I was privileged to be able to attend the handing over mass and ceremony of the Carmelite Monastery in Wagga Wagga.

The Carmelite Monastery of Our Lady Queen of Peace was originally opened in 1967 as a memorial for peace, and after 53 years has been handed over to be developed into a health and well-being centre for veterans and first responders.

My most sincere congratulations go to Jason Frost, Lyle Salmon and all others involved in the Defence Shed initiative, for their hard work in getting the project off the ground, and thanks to Sister Maria and the Carmelite nuns for this generous gesture.

The Pro Patria Centre (meaning 'for one's country'), will offer a combination of conventional and ground-breaking services for physical and mental conditions as a result of time in service.