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Established in Brisbane in 2014, Orange Sky is the world’s first free mobile laundry and shower service dedicated to supporting people experiencing homelessness and hardship right across the country. Orange Sky operates services across metro cities, regional and remote communities across Australia, supporting anyone in need with free laundry and shower services, and most importantly, providing a safe and welcoming space for conversation and connection.
Our mission is to create a safe, positive and supportive environment for people experiencing homelessness or hardship, who are often ignored or feel disconnected from the community. Staffed by volunteers who are empathetic listeners and great conversationalists, Orange Sky aims to positively connect everyday Australians through clean clothes, warm showers and conversation.
PR and Marketing Specialist,
Orange Sky Australia and New Zealand
Orange Sky Co-Founders, Nic and Lucas, went to school together. They both volunteered together at their high school’s food van which visited local parks around Brisbane offering free food to people who had unfortunately found themselves experiencing homelessness. Both Nic and Lucas really enjoyed their volunteering experience with the food van and wanted to do something more to support their local community.
A few years after Nic and Lucas graduated from school, when they were just 20, they hatched the idea to throw two washing machines and two dryers in the back of an old van (Sudsy) with a plan to visit parks around Brisbane to offer free laundry services to those in need.
It took Nic and Lucas three days to do their first official load of washing – the van and washing machines broke down the first two days, however on the third day, they successfully washed the first Orange Sky friend, Jordan’s clothing.
Orange Sky started off as a way to improve access to hygiene facilities for those experiencing homelessness, but it has turned into much more. Whilst the washers and dryers are spinning, the volunteers offer a safe space to connect and chat with our friends, which we feel is the most impactful part of the Orange Sky service.
