Copyright abc
For three decades, this small town in northern Tasmania has piqued the interest of its neighbours, who recount stopping by its general store to quietly observe the daily goings on. These drop-ins have been inspired by the fact that Poatina is owned and run by a Christian charity, which vetted prospective residents and required that they not offend Christian values inside or outside of their homes. Those familiar with the town say these rules have fallen away over recent years. And now the charity — Fusion Australia — is set to divest entirely, clearing the way for a new generation of residents to move in. Fusion, which focuses on youth, community and training, established an "intentional community" in Poatina — a former Hydro Tasmania town — in 1995. The charity set up a body corporate that governs matters relating to common property and infrastructure. While most residents own their own homes, Fusion has assumed responsibilities usually taken on by a council, including looking after roads, street lighting, water and sewerage. The by-laws adopted in 1995, seen by the ABC, set out that Poatina would be "a generally safe, secure and Christian environment for young Australians … and their families, regardless of religious persuasion, social position, wealth or otherwise". They also encourage owners and residents to "provide voluntary service for the benefit of the community" and state that they should not use their properties or common properties in any way that "offends Christian values". Poatina runs at deficits of up to $200,000 a year Fusion ran youth training programs in Poatina until 2021, but its chief executive, Patrick Witcombe, told the ABC "compliance realities" meant the programs eventually became unsustainable. "Our programs now require a level of qualified staffing and oversight that simply isn't sustainable in a small, remote village," Mr Witcombe said in a written statement. Fusion has reported growing annual deficits to the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profits Commission since 2022, though its 2025 report is not due until next year. The trailing wind-up costs for the closure of the Poatina school, Capstone College, in 2021 added up to about $104,000. Mr Witcombe said Fusion had been operating its Poatina enterprises and resources at a deficit of between $180,000 to $200,000 in recent years. "The local hospitality, accommodation and maintenance enterprises were originally intended to support training and youth engagement, but they now operate primarily as local businesses, requiring subsidy from other parts of the organisation," Mr Witcombe said. "That is not sustainable, nor is it consistent with Fusion's charitable purpose." Fusion's departure means it will list several non-residential properties for sale — including the town's motel, service station, training facilities, strip of shops and town hall — as well as 12 residential properties. 'Just a normal town with normal people' The winding road leading into Poatina passes by fields as it climbs towards the cluster of low-lying brick houses atop a green slope. Beyond a weathered welcome sign, the uniform brick houses of Poatina look out onto striking views of verdant fields and the mountain range beyond. Johannes Elgersma and his neighbour Mark have chosen to retire here and are eager to see a new chapter for the town. They agree with Fusion's decision to leave, because it is no longer able to deliver on its mission statement of supporting young people, and because they hope it will change public perceptions of Poatina. The town itself only comprises a few streets, and a central grouping of uniform brick shops, a hall and accommodation. Johannes has lived in the town for close to five years, after spending time there while travelling in Tasmania. "I knew of Fusion, but I didn't know the ins and outs, so that didn't bother me," he said. He was not put off by the emphasis on volunteer work, saying he was happy to wash dishes in the local motel and staff the petrol station. He described the interview process as a chat. Johannes is one of a number of residents who are hopeful that Fusion's departure will pave the way for more young families to move into town. "Because the average age is quite high here, well, I'm one of them," he said. Once a hub for young people, a playground in the centre of town now sits largely untouched, with a sandpit full of toy trucks slowly weathering in the elements. Mark said he was also not aware of Fusion. Instead, he was drawn to the natural setting and peace of Poatina. "It's one of the most beautiful towns, I think, in Tasmania," he said. He is in the process of selling his house to downsize and wants to see the population in Poatina grow. "The big picture is that things are rapidly and irrevocably changing with the departure of Fusion, and it's going to become a town like any other town." Both he and Johannes reject the idea that Poatina is secretive. "I wouldn't say it has been secretive," Mark said. New by-laws 'make no reference' to religion After 15 months of intensive consultation and discussion, the Poatina Village Body Corporate has reached agreement on a new set of by-laws to be introduced by the end of November. The body corporate collectively released written responses to questions after the ABC contacted its chair, John West. It would not reveal the substance of the new by-laws, but said they would "make no reference to any religious ethos". "Because there is not yet final agreement and the draft is currently under legal review, it is premature to discuss or reveal the content of the by-laws," its statement reads. "In due course, the by-laws will be available on the Poatina Community website." Volunteer work will remain a part of life in Poatina, given some of the town's basic services — a general store, service station, op shop and post office — rely on it to stay open. Meanwhile, the body corporate says it has not required prospective buyers and renters to undergo an interview process to move in since June 2025. While some residents feel positively, or are unaffected, others feel more deeply about Fusion's departure. The charity has provided access to group sessions with a counsellor, a counselling organisation "to facilitate grief and transition workshops for Poatina residents", and a collective of community development practitioners. Buyers 'certainly have been declined' About 100 people live in Poatina, but the community believes building the numbers to around 180 would be beneficial. Kyle Barrett, a property representative at Town & Country Real Estate, said Fusion's now lapsed interview process had put prospective buyers off or rejected them outright. "In speaking with owners of properties in the area … it has been a hindrance in attracting buyers in the past when properties have previously been marketed," Mr Barrett said. Rising property prices in the surrounding region make it an "opportune time" for Poatina to open up, he said. The body corporate acknowledged that times were changing for Poatina. "While Poatina is bound to evolve and public perception will shift, branding is a deliberate and strategic process," it said, when asked about its changing identity.
