That dream is finally shaping into a reality.

The Carmelite Monastery in Ashmont closed in 2019 after 53 years, but after months of discussions, it is being transformed into the Pro Patria Centre Wagga.

Jason Frost, president of the Wagga Defence Shed and one of the co-founders, said it was fantastic to get the support and backing needed to make the one-stop-shop a reality.

The Wagga RSL Club and Wagga RSL Sub-Branch have announced they are providing funding to the project.

Donations from the Wagga RSL Club have helped begin the efforts to refurbish the site, and the RSL Sub-Branch's contribution will go toward purchasing the property later this year from the Carmelite community.

"We are looking at a range of new and existing innovative services and a range of evidence-based treatments," Mr Frost said.

"This year, we are looking at a lot of other services that people have requested during community engagement.

"The main responses that we are getting so far is calls for medical GP support, social support, counselling."

Mr Frost said although it is still only early days, the Pro Patria Centre has already hosted several programs and workshops with Open Arms Veterans and Families Counselling and Mental Health First Aid.

In the coming weeks, they will be giving some of the areas a fresh coat of paint before transforming them into treatment rooms.

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Co-founder of the idea veteran Brad Fewson said it's "ground-breaking" that a hub like Pro Patria is being developed in Wagga.

He said, for him, one of the main priorities is making sure that there is support for the loved ones of veterans and first responders.

"I wouldn't be alive without my wife and my children," Mr Fewson said.

"If we can provide support to the families, then that helps keep the foundation stable.

"We really want this to be an inclusive and wholistic centre."

Mr Frost said for information, follow the Wagga Defence Shed on social media, and any veterans, first responders or their families are encouraged to reach out as their input is "invaluable".

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