Our Board of Directors
Jane Barnes
JP, AMICDA
Jane developed a respect and appreciation for the armed forces from a young age listening to her father tell stories of his time as a member of the ADF. Service skipped a generation, however, 3 of Jane’s children are either currently serving or have served in the ADF. This has given her first-hand insight into the need for the Pro Patria Centre. Although never a uniformed member of the ADF, Jane’s first job was at the Royal Military College, Duntroon where she worked closely with UNSW academic staff and the Corps of Staff Cadets in the Department of Geography.
Working both in private enterprise and NSW Government, Jane has successfully completed degree qualifications in both Business and Psychology. Her current position with Dept. Primary Industry and Regional NSW as a Snr. Programs Officer gives her the opportunity to use her skills to create and support opportunities for communities in Regional NSW.
As well as being a Board Member of the Pro Patria Centre, Jane is the President of the Wagga Wagga RSL Club.
Wagga Wagga based
Jason Frost
Jason is a retired Army Sergeant who served 16 years in the Australian Army as a Marine Specialist. Medically discharged in 2015 after years of sustained impact traumas, he was diagnosed with a range of conditions, including Lumbar Spondylosis, Degenerative Disk Disease, PTSD, and TBI. The extensive use of powerful pharmaceuticals (poly-pharmacy) led to severe side effects; cognitive decline, addictions, behavioural changes and social isolation.
In 2018, Jason began exploring medicinal cannabis as an alternative treatment, supported by the Department of Veteran Affairs. This marked a turning point, enabling him to reduce his reliance on pharmaceuticals. A 2021 QEEG Neurofeedback brain scan highlighted the extent of his brain injuries, prompting a focus on holistic health and neuroplasticity. Through a combination of medicinal cannabis, EMDR, psychotherapy, and later, the Revive Ketamine Infusion program, Jason made significant strides in his rehabilitation.
Today, Jason advocates for veterans recovering from PTSD, TBI, and various addictions. He serves as the President of Defence Shed Wagga, a non-profit providing skills training and support to veterans and first responders. Additionally, he is a founding member of the Pro Patria Centre, Wagga's first integrated community medical centre focused on empowering veterans and their families. Jason's dedication has been recognised with a Paul Harris Fellow award and a prestigious NSW Government Community Service Award. His work continues to inspire and support countless veterans and their families.
Wagga Wagga based
Lyle Salmon
Chair of the Pro Patria Centre Ltd Board
Lyle is an electrician with extensive experience in Industrial Automation and Control,
and nearly fifteen years teaching Electrical Trades and Engineering courses at TAFE NSW, Wagga Wagga campus, now retired.
Lyle served with the RAAF as an Air Electronics Analyst, and was a Trustee of the RSL NSW, Wagga Wagga Sub-branch for eighteen years. Lyle was a founding member of the Defence Shed Wagga Wagga, and, with his TAFE connections, was able to facilitate a number of courses for retired defence and first responder personnel. Lyle is also a co-founder of the Pro Patria Centre which provides medical treatment for veterans, first responders and their families that is otherwise not available outside the Metropolitan regions. Lyle is also an Associate Member of the Vietnam Veterans Association, South West NSW.
Lyle is active in his local community, being both founder and President of the local Mens Shed, Anzac Day coordinator, and member of the SES sponsored Community Safety Group, and the Progress Association.
Uranquinty based
Colin Taggart
Angelo Strano
Angelo is a Chartered Accountant and Tax Agent with over 40 years in the Industry.
He was a Partner of the National firm RSM Australia Pty Ltd for 28 years and a Director representing the accounting practice on the RSM Financial Services Company Board for 16 years.
He has also held the role of NSW Regional Managing Partner. He currently consults with RSM on a part time basis.
He has dealt with a diverse client base advising on accounting ,taxation, succession and business strategy matters.
Angelo serves on both the Pro Patria Centre Ltd and Pro Patria Property Trust boards
Wagga Wagga based.
Colin is a publisher of magazines and an online media specialist. He is a marketing and communications professional who has started, managed and successfully sold advertising agencies and technology companies in Europe.
Currently working as a Business Connect Advisor which is a NSW Government programme to assist small businesses. He is also a Cybersecurity Consultant and a Digital Solutions Advisor within the Federal Government ASBAS programme.
For many years he was the publisher of the Wagga Wagga City Council Official Visitors Guide and worked with Riverina Regional Tourism, publishing The Riverina Holiday Guide. Colin has a profound understanding of the hospitality and tourism sector and strives to promote the city and the region. He publishes magazines and websites for RAAF Base Wagga and Army Recruit Training Centre, Kapooka to welcome families and personnel to Wagga.Colin has strong links within the Wagga business community as a former board member: Wagga Business Chamber, Business Enterprise Centre
Riverine Club; a publisher of Wagga Business Matters magazine; Wagga Base Hospital Development Project Marketing and Communication Officer for NSW Health Infrastructure and Murrumbidgee Local Health District where he liaised with the local media launching the project branding and website.
Ruskin College Oxford – Diploma History and Politics.
Wagga Wagga based
Jacqui Van de Velde
Jacqui has more than 30 years experience in education, wellbeing, mental health and community engagement in both a professional and volunteer capacity. Through her consultancy, Van de Velde, she has worked in, and continues to work across, a variety of business, education and community contexts, in Australia, New Zealand, the EU, Singapore, and North America. Jacqui is an advocate for parent and family engagement, positive growth outcomes in education, professional learning networks and continuing education in the workplace, wellbeing, veteran health, and advocacy.
Jacqui is a sought after speaker and trainer in wellbeing and resilience with a specific focus on solution focused techniques. She is the author of a national qualification in Veteran Support Services.
Jacqui is currently on the board of two non-profits: The Australasian Solution Focused Association and Pro Patria Centre Ltd
Sydney based.