Home of Hope will be administered by Teen Challenge Tasmania and will be located at the site of the closed Meander Primary School.

Women undertaking the 12 month residential program will be supported to beat their addictions and become empowered by learning life skills, emotional intelligence and volunteering.

The decision by the Meander Valley Council to approve the use of the site created controversy within the town but resident Christine Chilcott said most are open to the idea.

“The government cannot provide care and protection alone,” she said.

“When I look at my community I see a desire for acceptance of all people. Supporting families and protecting children is everyone’s responsibility.”

Another Meander resident Joan Broomhall had five generations of her family attend Meander Primary School, but she said she still supports Teen Challenge Tasmania.

She said many of the concerns raised by the Meander Area Residents and Ratepayers Association (MARRA) were unfounded.

“If [Home of Hope] devalues my home and it saves the life of one child and his mother, then devalue my house,” she said.

James Boxhall also lives in Meander and supports Home of Hope.

He said some of the residents who originally signed a petition against the establishment of the centre now have signs of support at their homes, after asking questions about their concerns.

“We had two or three meetings, we have a survey and the council decided,” he said.

“Tough decisions have to be made and you’re always going to have some members of the community who are against things.”

Meander farmer Wayne Johnston said none of the members of MARRA attended the community ‘Meet your Neighbour’ event in early July, when Teen Challenge Tasmania directors Tanya Cavanagh and Peter Ferrall were available to answers questions.

“Unfortunately I don’t think the other residents have actually sat down and listened,” he said.

Mrs Chilcott said the community would take responsibility of volunteering to help the organisers of Home of Hope and make sure everyone felt safe and secure.

“It’s not about what they can do for us, it’s about what we can do for them,” she said.

“The school has been a place of education for one-and-a-quarter centuries this year. Would it not be wonderful for it to continue the same role in years to come.”

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