The Kennerley Boys' Home was founded by Alfred Kennerley, Mayor of Hobart and Premier of Tasmania, in February 1869. He bought a large property in West Hobart, fronting Hamilton Street, and by a deed of gift, conveyed it to trustees as a home for destitute and neglected boys. It could initially accommodate 30 boys and was managed by a Board of Governors with the aim of providing individual care and training.;;In the late 1960s, the focus of the organisation underwent some changes, moving away from providing institutional care to a cottage fostering model. In 1969, the West Hobart property was sold and four separate homes were purchased where the 'cottage parents' cared for small groups of children. In 1970 the name of the organisation was changed to Kennerley Children's Home [s], to include girls for the first time. ;;Today the organisatation provides out of home and respite care to support children, young people and their families.;;;;;;