Orange Sky Australia would like to acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the Traditional Custodians of this nation and of the lands in which we operate. We respect and honour Elders past, present and future. Orange Sky is committed to working alongside First Peoples to create a positive future together.
 Warning: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander viewers are advised this website may contain images, voices and names of deceased persons.

OUR WORK IN REMOTE COMMUNITIES

Orange Sky is committed to positively connecting people all across the country, particularly those living in remote Australian communities where access to laundry services can be limited and cost prohibitive.

To support this, since 2018 Orange Sky has worked alongside remote communities to build impact through access to free laundry facilities, local employment and local partnerships.

Orange Sky operates in 38 locations across Australia, 14 of which are in remote communities.

Our remote services are some of our most utilised and engaged in the country. Each month, our 14 remote communities services provide approximately:

Our Remote service locations

OUR PARTNERS

Orange Sky operates in some of the most important remote communities across Queensland (QLD), Northern Territory (NT) and Western Australia (WA). We could not do this without our purposeful partnerships, local employment and the support of residents. These include:

· Lockhart River (QLD) service established in 2017
· Palm Island (QLD) service established in 2018
· Maningrida (NT) service established in 2019 with partner Mala’la Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service
· Wadeye (NT) service established in 2021 with partner Thamarrurr Development Corporation
· Bidyadanga (WA) service established in 2021 with partner Bidyadanga Aboriginal Community

· Fitzroy Crossing (WA) service established in 2021 with partner Marra Worra Worra (MWW)
· Aurukun (QLD) service established in 2022 with partner RESET
· Yungngora (WA) service established in 2022 with partner MWW
· Galiwin’ku (NT) service established in 2022 with partner Galiwin’ku Women’s Space Inc.
· Yakanarra (WA) service established in 2022 with partner MWW

· Gapuwiyak (NT) service established in 2023 with partner Arnhem Land Progress Aboriginal Corporation.
· Kalgoorlie (WA) service established in 2023 with partner Bega Garnbirringu Health Service.
· Yuendumu (NT) service established in 2023 with partner Central Desert Regional Council.
· Doomadgee (QLD) service established in 2023 with partner Doomadgee Aboriginal Shire Council, North West Hospital and Health Service and the community.

WHY PARTNERWITH ORANGE SKY

We are not an ordinary laundry service. Orange Sky approaches partnerships with cultural integrity and independence at the forefront, to improve wellbeing and outcomes in the communities where we operate.

We know that each community has unique strengths and challenges. That’s why Orange Sky values listening and learning about the needs of a community, to ensure our service aligns with the community’s health, social and cultural needs. To find out more about the work Orange Sky does in remote communities, click here.

HOW WE DELIVER

For more information, get in touch to receive a Remote Partnership Prospectus – a brochure outlining how we deliver our service and our partnership model.

Get in touch

VOICE TO PARLIAMENT

Orange Sky firmly supported a ‘Yes’ vote in the Referendum as it aligned with the very core of our mission to positively connect communities. As an organisation, we are strengthened by the many ways in which Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people contribute to our ecosystem – from sitting on our Board, to being employees, volunteers, partners, supporters and friends. Regardless of the outcome, there was always going to be work to do.

First Nations peoples are over represented in those who use our services – with one in five experiencing homelessness, yet accounting for only 3% of the population. Orange Sky will continue to find ways to support and prioritise reconciliation – not only within the locations we operate, but through our policies, culture, and all individuals and organisations we interact with.

We’ve been inspired by the strength, resilience and determination of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, who have advocated so fiercely for a better future. We will continue to walk alongside them by amplifying their voices and supporting their wishes.

We hope to see continued action and support through resources and funding focused on improving the health and wellbeing of First Nations peoples.

Stories from Remote Communities

The Waru Dryer
Reconciliation Week
Notes From The Road

Hear from our remote communities

"It’s a vital service I think, because many people don’t have access to washing machines in the community and it just makes it so hard. Anything that we can do to combat health issues is a winner.”
 

Rachel, Registered Nurse Maningrida

"I think it’s really good, especially when people don’t have a washing machine, especially where we park close. It’s good to keep the countrymen busy while they’re washing and we keep an eye on things like sores and scabies, we encourage Mum and Dad to bring the kids to the clinic. It’s good working together, communicating, Mala’la involved with Orange Sky. Looking forward it’s more help so we can see the future, more kids growing healthy and strong, for their life."
 

Kurt, Health Worker, Mala’la Health Service

"I’m very hopeful this model will inform other communities. Partnerships in this space are so important because you can’t go it alone, no service can do it on their own, you have to work with other people to maximize your opportunities so you can move forward."
 

Lesley, Manager of Health and Community Services, Mala’la Health Service.
Connect with Orange Sky's
Reconciliation Action Plan.
Find Out More

Orange Sky Australia • 2020 • 17 Dover Street, Albion Queensland 4010 • (07) 3067 5800 • ABN/Charity ID: 85890622990 • We are a registered charity with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) All donations over $2 are fully tax deductible as a Deductible Gift Recipient by the Australian Tax Office

Orange Sky acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the Traditional Custodians of the lands across Australia. We pay our respect to Ancestors and their descendants who hold a continued cultural and spiritual connection to the land, seas and community and would like to recognise and uphold First Nations knowledge and contributions of all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. We are committed to working together to create a positive future through our Reconciliation Action Plan.