Launceston couple Tanya Cavanagh and Peter Ferrall hope to open a dedicated rehab centre in the former Meander Primary School to deal with the issue.

Mr Ferrall worked with Teen Challenge in Western Australia for almost 30 years and moved to Tasmania five years ago to retire.

He described returning to his home area as being akin to arriving in a war zone, and the pair were soon helping children as young as 12 overcome drug addiction.

For more than two years they have worked for Teen Challenge with at-risk youth at Brooks High School and on the streets, and will soon extend their anti-drug and mentoring program to several more schools throughout northern Tasmania.

‘‘The needs are so great it’s not funny,’’ Mrs Cavanagh said.

‘‘It doesn’t matter what end of town they live in, either – drugs don’t discriminate.’’

Mrs Cavanagh and Mr Ferrall said they had sent women and adolescents to Teen Challenge centres throughout Australia because they were unable to find appropriate services in Tasmania.

Pathways Tasmania offers Hobart-based addiction program Live Free Tassie, but it is open only to young men.

Mrs Cavanagh and Mr Ferrall said they would provide a holistic approach with a focus on prevention.

‘‘We want to encourage the younger generation not to use drugs or alcohol, that it is a choice and it’s OK not to do that,’’ Mrs Cavanagh said.

The Meander Valley Council will receive expressions of interest for the Meander school site until 5pm on December 11.

Teen Challenge will hold a community prevention seminar on November 25 at Door of Hope, South Launceston, from 6.30pm to 8.30pm. Visit teenchallengetasmania.org for more information.