Orange Sky: connecting communities through action
Orange Sky Australia is a charity organisation providing free mobile laundry and shower services around Australia for people experiencing homelessness, needing extra support, or going through a tough time.
BOQ has proudly partnered with Orange Sky Australia since 2019. Orange Sky’s Chief Operating Officer, Shayne Herriott, says the demand for their services has increased across Australia by 21 per cent in the last financial year, meaning BOQ’s support couldn’t come at a better time.
‘This year alone we’ve provided more than 41,000 loads of free laundry and more than 3,100 hot showers to our friends in need. So, with the support of the Bank of Queensland, we’re able to help provide even more relief and bring a deeper sense of connection to those who are doing it tough.’
Shayne says they aren’t just seeing people experiencing homelessness using their services lately but are also seeing families, retirees, students, middle-aged women, and even people with current employment coming to Orange Sky for support.
Betty's story.
Despite working full-time as a cleaner for 14 years, Betty still struggled to make ends meet. She had to move out of her apartment as she couldn’t afford the rent increase. After 36 unsuccessful rental applications, Betty sadly found herself living in her car for six months.
While living out of her car, Betty was using public toilets and showers – and that's how she came across Orange Sky in Musgrave Park in South Brisbane.
‘When I was living in my car, I felt very unsafe,’ says Betty. ‘I didn't feel secure, like you do when you have a home. I could never sleep properly; I was always alert. It's not a great way to live.’
Even though Betty has now found housing with the support of The Salvation Army, she still relies on Orange Sky's laundry services to save money and to catch up with those that helped her. ‘Even if I can start washing my clothes at my new home, I think I would still come to Orange Sky to chat and catch up with the volunteers,’ she says.
Orange Sky helps anyone facing a tough time.
Orange Sky co-founder Nic Marchesi says their services create a safe, supportive, and positive environment for people from all walks of life.
‘What we believe at Orange Sky, is that those basic human needs of clean clothes, a shower and conversation become more difficult to access during financial hardship.’
Nic says there’s no one common pathway that leads a person to financial hardship or homelessness. It can happen to almost anyone, through loss of employment, abuse, relationship breakdown, mental health struggles, unexpected illness, or a natural disaster.
Recently, the charity has seen an increase in need for their services as the rise in cost of living impacts more and more Aussies. To support the growing number of people reaching out for support, the charity has continued to introduce new services across the country and has also introduced more shifts in some existing service locations.
‘For a lot of people, one, two, or three things go wrong in their life, and they can’t make ends meet,’ says Nic.
‘We’re seeing a lot of people who have to work multiple jobs and can’t afford to replace a broken washing machine. Or spending money on washing clothes is not affordable. We’re also seeing people living in their cars or couch surfing.’
Connection and conversation with friends.
Aside from Orange Sky's free mobile laundry and shower service, they also provide a space for connection and conversation where friendships can form. Orange Sky Media and Marketing Specialist, Casey, had an instant connection after meeting Cass on a shift, and still returns to catch up with her regularly.
‘I met Cass on a Wednesday morning on the Sunshine Coast. As soon as I entered the conversation, Cass embraced me with a kind, welcoming smile,’ says Casey.
‘I began to learn that Cass has lived in her van for more than two years. Two years without her children. Two years without her family surrounding her. Two years without a safe and stable place to call home.’
‘Cass was so brave to share her story with me, but the thing that astounded me most was Cass’ fun-loving, charismatic, and optimistic personality. Although she has overcome many challenges – and still faces many challenges ahead – she was kind, thoughtful and keen for a cheerful conversation full of laughs,’ says Casey.
After that first meeting, Casey makes a conscious effort to catch up with Cass through Orange Sky when she can. ‘Whenever I am on the Sunshine Coast, I stop by Cass’ shift to check-in and have a laugh. She brightens up the shift and is a joy to be around.’
About Orange Sky.
Orange Sky supports Australian communities by improving access to laundry and shower facilities. They understand the importance of genuine connection and restoring dignity to people who are doing it tough.
Operating in 38 locations across Australia, Orange Sky tailor their services to align with each community’s health, social, and cultural needs.
To date, Orange Sky have provided Australians in need with over 1.9 million kilograms of free laundry, 20,000 showers and 330,000 hours of genuine and non-judgemental conversations.
Orange Sky is one of BOQ's national fundraising partners. You can find out more about Orange Sky’s initiatives to help all Australians on their website.
