Orange Sky Australia

We have something special we'd like to share... Next week, we're launching our podcast! Conversations are at the heart of everything we do at Orange Sky. Tune in next week as we share honest and eye-opening chats with people who've connected with Orange Sky, including friends, volunteers and people who have been a part of our community. It's a chance to rethink homelessness and see the true power of a simple conversation. 🧡 'The F Word', coming Monday 13 May on your favourite podcast platform. 🎧 The trailer is out now.

Here’s our April impact snapshot! Thanks loads to our incredible volunteers for being there for our friends in need. Together, we’re helping to make a positive difference 🧡

On the surface, Orange Sky’s service is very simple and practical – showers, laundry and conversation. But in reality, it’s much more than that. For friends doing it tough, it’s connection, friendship and confidence. It's knowing that no matter how tough you’re doing it, you are welcomed, respected and heard. But the need is growing. More people are facing hardship every day, and we need more services in more locations. To do this we urgently need more support, so we can be there for more people and make more meaningful connections every single day. Please, donate today: https://bit.ly/3Wvw0jr

A big hello from our team at one of our newest shifts in Melbourne, Community Support Frankston on Thursdays. This is in addition to our usual Wednesday shifts at the centre. These volunteers came together for their very first shift on the 11th of April, and since then have already washed 8 loads of laundry and having genuine,non-judgemental conversations with the community. Thanks for your incredible impact team 🧡 📸(From left to right): Colleen, Thom, Jules, Melissa and Emma (HQ)

On Monday, we had the pleasure of welcoming Greater Charitable Foundation to our pod 'Nifty' in Southport on the Gold Coast. We shared a coffee and a conversation with their team, our dedicated local volunteers, and some of our HQ staff as we received an official and warm welcome into their Foundation family! We're delighted to share that Orange Sky has been selected as beneficiary of a generous pledge of $330,000, to keep the washers turning on our Gold Coast and Taree operations for two years, enabling us to continue showing up with our six orange chairs for people in need. Thanks loads Greater Charitable Foundation for your commitment to making a positive difference in the community, helping us support more friends doing it tough 🧡 Click here to find out more: https://lnkd.in/gB5m67k7

Here at Orange Sky we are big believers in the power of collaboration. Our First Nations services come together when team members, community service providers, local partner organisations and corporate sponsors align perfectly. Our partnership with Alsco Uniforms Australia commercial laundry service is the final piece to a beautiful puzzle and we are delighted to be working in partnership to provide an expansion of service for the Maningrida community in the form of our iconic laundry pods. Working alongside Mala'la Health Service Aboriginal Corporation, pictured here, the pod provides weekly access to free laundry facilities for the Maningrida community, supporting the important preventative work of the Rheumatic Heart Disease team. Our ongoing partnership with Alsco Uniforms Australia has also enabled an additional laundry pod to be stored at our HQ, ready to mobilise and support our emergency recovery services, ensuring we are equipped to help our most vulnerable communities during a time of need. Thanks loads Alsco Uniforms Australia for your increased support, helping us deliver our mission 🤝

Meet Bob, a 74-year-old navigating the ups and downs of retirement. Since his washing machine broke down, Bob hasn't been able to afford a replacement and has been relying on Orange Sky’s free laundry services for the past 18 months. We're proud to support him and make his retirement a bit more comfortable. "Being unable to get a new washing machine and having Orange Sky here is so helpful. Not only to me, but for other people around this area who are struggling like me. I am just so appreciative," Bob said. Bob is grateful for the nearby Orange Sky shift that keeps his clothes clean and he treasures the friendly chats he enjoys with others during his visits. "My favourite thing about coming to see Orange Sky is meeting people. It is part of my weekly excitement. When I leave, I always think of having next week to look forward to because I get to see the lovely volunteers again. I am very grateful for that. To all the people who have supported and donated to Orange Sky, with my heart, I appreciate it, thank you very very much."

On 25 April 1915, members of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps landed at Gallipoli. On the anniversary of this day each year, we honour the service and sacrifice of all veterans who served our country in conflicts and peace-keeping missions. Lest We Forget.

Claudia started volunteering with Orange Sky in the year before Covid. She was inspired by our mission and wanted to meet new people beyond her usual friends and family, all while helping the community. "As a team leader, I’ve been able to engage more deeply with the volunteering experience, and what you put in, you get out! I still love just being there with and for our friends as a volunteer, but just as important are the fabulous and diverse members of our team. I’ve found Orange Sky, our team and friends to be one of the most non-judgmental, open-minded communities I’ve ever come across and I really value that so much—and it's really something worth taking into the rest of our lives. Being a team leader has helped me improve my communication and problem-solving skills and built my trust in being supported by and connected to a great community." - Claudia Koch-McQuillan, Orange Sky Team Leader

Happy second birthday to our Aurukun service! What started as Orange Sky supporting a public health response in late 2021 has led to the launch of a permanent service in April 2022. Aurukun is a remote coastal shire in Far North Queensland where access to laundry facilities can be challenging. Over the past two years we have washed 2,526 loads of laundry and had 3,847 hours of epic yarns within the community. This is all thanks to our local partner, RESET, our local Team Members, the Traditional Custodians – Wik, Wik Way and Kugu people – and Aurukun residents. We are so grateful to play a role in laundry and connection within Aurukun's community.