The vote was cast on Wednesday, July 14, with the sub-branch acknowledging it will have to gain approval for any purchases over $20,000 from the RSL NSW board, as well as go through an "extensive" investigative process before being in a position to purchase the Monastery.

A sub-branch spokesperson said that it, as well as NSW RSL and RSL LifeCare, had been listening to the Wagga and broader Riverina community "to develop an ongoing sustainable operating model for the provision of comprehensive, affordable, and high-quality local services for Riverina veterans and their families."

Whilst the decision to purchase the Monastery is explored, the spokesperson said the sub-branch is "here to support Veterans who may need assistance at any time through its Welfare and Pensions Committee."

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The sub-branch has held extensive talks with the Pro Patria Centre over the past 12 months, but hasn't made a commitment to operate the centre in Wagga as of yet, the spokesperson said.

"The sub-branch also needs to consider the RSL NSW Strategic Plan, and the proposal for RSL's own services operator, RSL LifeCare to immediately commence operations of a veterans centre in Wagga," the spokesperson added.

They said that RSL NSW is hoping to pursue further support from the federal government through its national veterans wellbeing centre initiative to fund such an operation in Wagga.

"There are now eight such centres across Australia and Wagga has a large ADF and veteran community and is an ideal location for a regional centre to support all veterans and their families," the spokesperson said.

"Such a centre relies on local input to deliver the services required, and the sub-branch notes the intention for further engagement with Pro Patria Centre Ltd and other ex-service organisations and service providers keen to work with and support the RSL."

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