Supporting Remote and First Nations Communities
A few years after Orange Sky launched it’s first van in Brisbane, our services evolved to reach communities in remote Australia, where access to support services is often limited.
Since then, Orange Sky has responded to many requests from remote communities and worked closely with First Nation leaders, residents and local organisations to provide access to free, accessible laundry facilities.
It’s more than just clean clothes – it’s creating positive change by increasing access to essential laundry facilities that families simply can’t go without.
In 2016, after working closely with the Lockhart River community in Queensland, Orange Sky launched the first remote laundry service. Since then, we’ve partnered with 17 communities across Australia, including:
Each community has different needs, priorities and solutions.
However, one common story we hear when it comes to accessing washing machines is that they are often cost prohibitive and too small for bedding, power is costly, technicians are often not in community for repairs and there is limited access to transport meaning trips to laundromats aren’t always possible.
Working with the community, many families can now wash their clothes and bedding at an Orange Sky laundry facility.
Vivienne and her family are some of the friendly faces that visit our remote service in Maningrida, NT – run by Mala’la Health Services.
In a region where laundry access is challenging, Vivienne shared how helpful it is to have her winter blankets washed and dried so her family can stay warm each night:
“In 2021, we visited nearly 30 remote communities who had reached out to us in the past, to listen to and learn from people about their challenges and priorities.
There was strong demand for the washing machines in the truck we travelled in and we heard a consistent story about the challenges of owning a washing machine and the desire to be in control of their wellbeing and that of their families and communities. Many shared a desire for meaningful jobs and the need for sustainable support.
