Ros’ Story
Ros shared her powerful story with us, in her own words, shortly before she passed. It is our honour to keep her memory alive.
Women Only Services
Provided by women, for women
Supporting women experiencing homelessness or hardship with free laundry and a space to connect
Orange Sky’s Women Only Services are focused on supporting women doing it tough with access to free laundry services and positive connection. Just like our regular Orange Sky services, we operate alongside another service provider with the aim of providing holistic support to those who need it.
The 2021 Census recorded a staggering 20% increase in the number of Australian women experiencing homelessness. We recognise that there can be barriers for women attending our services, which is why we want to be there to support women at a location that’s safe, welcoming and familiar to them.
How it works
1
Spot our bright orange van
2
Say hello to our friendly volunteers (all women!) who will help you pop your washing on
3
Sit and have a chat while you wait
4
Leave with fresh, clean laundry!
General FAQs
Do I need to make a booking?
No, you don’t need to make a booking. Our shifts normally run for about two hours, and our volunteers will be there at the same time each week – so just come along!
What happens when I arrive?
Our friendly volunteers will meet you and help you pop your washing on. We have chairs to sit on if you want to stick around for a chat (which we love!) – otherwise you are free to leave and return before the end of shift to grab your washing.
How long are you there for?
We stay onsite for the two hour shift that is advertised.
How will you ensure that it's women only?
Our Women Only Services are exactly that – run by women, for women. While we do everything we can to create a safe and inclusive space on shift, we operate alongside service providers where we can’t control who visits the location.
We operate over 300 shifts across Australia each week, where anyone is welcome to attend and access our services.
Why women only?
We recognise that there can be barriers for women attending our services and there is benefit in providing a safe space for women to access free laundry and positive connection.
Who provides the soap and washing basket?
Orange Sky provides everything you need – just bring your laundry!
Can I bring my kids?
Kids are welcome on shift as long as they are supervised by an adult over the age of 18.
Our Service Partners
We are proud to have partnered with other organisations committed to supporting women who experience hardship
Service Provider FAQs
What is a women only service?
Orange Sky’s Women Only Service is a safe space for women to connect and access free laundry, operated by women volunteers. Connection is at the heart of what we do, and as Orange Sky evolves, we want to recognise, understand and overcome diverse barriers to using our services. Our aim with tailored service models is to ensure everyone can feel safe and supported while their washing churns in the background.
What does being a service provider entail?
Being a service provider is about providing a physical location where the Orange Sky team can operate our service. Service providers typically offer an aligned service to women doing it tough, such as food, clothing or counselling – and we bring our vans to your existing community! We want to be there to support women in a space that’s safe, welcoming and familiar to them.
What do you need from a service provider?
There are a few things that would help us out:
- Some space for our van – usually 2 parking spaces is enough.
- Access to water and waste facilities if possible, but we can work around this if it’s not available
- Opportunity to promote the service through your networks
How long will you stay on site for?
We normally run two hour shifts.
Do you provide laundry and showers?
This depends on the location and if we have laundry and/or showers available. Contact us to find out what’s in your area.
Service Provider Testimonials
Centre for Women and Co, Logan
"The Orange Sky team were consistently reliable and welcoming, creating a positive and respectful atmosphere for all who engaged with the service.
I appreciate the dedication and professionalism that your team brought to each shift, as well as the strong sense of community and support that was evident in your approach."
I appreciate the dedication and professionalism that your team brought to each shift, as well as the strong sense of community and support that was evident in your approach."
Volunteer Testimonials
Janine's Volunteer Experience
A Bundaberg-based Shift Leader, Janine, shares that on Women's Only shifts, there's a strong sense of familiarity and trust.
With the same group of volunteers showing up each week, friendships form and a safe space is created. She explains that she can see it in the small moments - when a friend arrives and heads straight to someone they had a great chat with last week, picking up right where they left off.
With the same group of volunteers showing up each week, friendships form and a safe space is created. She explains that she can see it in the small moments - when a friend arrives and heads straight to someone they had a great chat with last week, picking up right where they left off.
Service Provider Testimonials
DVCAS Newcastle
"A huge shout out to the gorgeous volunteers involved in the Women's Only Shift provided by Orange Sky Laundry, they provide an invaluable service, always upbeat and super professional, this service is unique, inclusive and innovative, in an effort to truly support women."
Interested in partnering with Orange Sky?
We're on the lookout for new service partners committed to supporting women experiencing hardship.
I want to...
Use your service
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