Protest at Meander over Teen Challenge rehab centre | Photos, Video

Members of the Meander Area and Ratepayers Association will protest at the same time Teen Challenge is hosting a family music day to thank the community for its support in opening women and children’s rehabilitation centre Home of Hope.

“We have leased the block next to the school as a permanent protest site and will continue peaceful protest until Teen Challenge have found a more appropriate place and this public asset is returned to public hands for the good of the whole community,” MARRA president Bodhi McSweeney said.

Teen Challenge executive director Tanya Cavanagh said the organisation looked forward to working within and with the Meander community to bring hope and change into the lives of Tasmanian women.

“This community has one of the biggest hearts and an enormous capacity of acceptance … the projects and events they have been organising, the working bees they have arranged and participated in ... really says it all,” she said.

Ms McSweeny said MARRA would submit a comprehensive objection to the development application before the Meander Valley Council to create Home of Hope. 

But the group does not speak for all residents, as Meander local Susie Johnston said her family wholeheartedly support the plan. 

“[We] feel that it is already bringing the community together, more so than we expected, even if some would make you think otherwise,” she said.

“Teen Challenge Tasmania have been amazing to this point with their efforts and respect for the grounds, buildings, community concerns, historical significance of school and remaining items.

“It is very encouraging to learn that they will honour the community by not altering the colour scheme dramatically, maintain the church and grounds and welcome visitors and volunteers to allow us to feel a part of this transformation.”

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