Orange Sky Australia

This week is Inclusion at Work Week and what better time to reflect on how proud we are to be recognised as a Diversity Council Australia Ltd Inclusive Employer for 2025-2026.   This recognition highlights our ongoing commitment to creating a workplace where every person feels valued, empowered to contribute their unique skills and perspectives and (as we like to say at HQ) Better For Being Orange.   We know that inclusion is more than a policy - it’s part of our Orange Sky DNA, and it shapes how we connect with our people, volunteers and the communities we serve. By fostering environments where people feel safe, supported and represented, we’re better equipped to deliver meaningful impact to those those who rely on us.   We’re grateful to our team, volunteers and supporters for helping to build a community where everyone feels seen, heard and valued 🧡   #InclusionAtWorkWeek #BetterForBeingOrange

This morning, we opened our newest Orange Sky laundry service at Laundry 4655 in Pialba. Mayor Seymour cut the ribbon, local councillors and community groups showed their support, and our volunteers absolutely rallied.    But what stood out most wasn’t the launch – it was what happened straight after it. On our very first shift, we delivered nine loads of laundry to people doing it tough. That immediate response tells us something important: the need in Hervey Bay is real, and connection matters just as much as clean clothes 🧡   Orange Sky exists to respond to that need – not with a one-size-fits-all model, but by partnering with local people, listening deeply and designing services alongside community.

I was lucky enough to share Wednesday evening with these legends celebrating the CEO Business Magazine executive of the year awards. A small mix of the amazing community of people that make up Orange Sky Australia and our journey over the last 11 years. Whilst I didn't take out the gong it was a great opportunity to highlight some amazing work happening across so many sectors in Australia. A huge congratulations to all the finalists in the NFP category and to the winner Sonya Smart from VMCH! It was awesome to be recognised alongside such inspiring leaders doing exceptional work across the sector 🧡

Many of us look forward to the upcoming holiday season, preparing to unwind, share good food and enjoy quality time with family and friends. But for many people doing it tough, this time of year can be incredibly hard. Without loved ones to spend the holidays with, connection and community can feel out of reach. That's when loneliness and isolation can really set it.   To make things even harder, many of the services that people experiencing homelessness or hardship rely on close their doors over this period. That’s why it’s more important than ever that Orange Sky is there - providing clean clothes, warm showers and most importantly, a safe place for genuine, non-judgemental conversation.   Our volunteers are the heart of everything we do. They’re the friendly faces who show up week after week, keeping the wheels turning, the washing machines spinning and the conversations flowing right across the country. Their kindness and commitment remind friends that they are seen, valued and not alone - even during the holidays.   But we can’t do it without your help. Your generosity keeps our shifts running when they’re needed most, ensuring that no one is left without the simple comfort of connection.   This holiday season, help us keep as many shifts running as possible. Your support means friends can rely on us when it matters most. Donate today 👉🏻 https://bit.ly/4qTjaIo

A decade ago, Orange Sky’s bright orange van Tubbsy rolled out for its very first shift in Sydney. A year later, our shower van Poppy hit the road. Poppy was named after six-year-old Poppy who put together care packs full of toiletries for those doing it tough in her community. What started as a simple idea to provide clean clothes and warm showers has grown into 10 incredible years of connection and community across Sydney.   Since then, our amazing volunteers have delivered over: 👉🏻 36,000 loads of laundry 👉🏻 7,000 warm showers 👉🏻 42,000 hours of genuine conversation 👉🏻 through over 8,000 shifts across the city   Every one of those moments represents more than just a service - it's a chat, a laugh or a connection shared between friends on orange chairs. But, this milestone wouldn't be possible without the incredible people who helped power this impact - the volunteers who give their time and compassion every week, our dedicated service partners who work alongside every shift and our supporters who keep the wheels turning, washing machines spinning and conversation flowing through their generosity.   To everyone who has been part of Orange Sky's Sydney community over the past 10 years - thank you. You've helped turn a simple idea into a decade of impact and we can't wait to see what the next 10 years bring 🧡

It’s been a busy few weeks at Lighthouse, but we couldn’t let this milestone pass without celebrating the local partnerships that make a real difference in our community. Last month marked one year of partnership with Orange Sky Australia, delivering free laundry services and connection from our Family Haven in Mooroopna. This initiative is a great example of how collaboration between organisations can create practical, non-judgemental support for those who need it most. In just 12 months, our volunteers have supported 562 loads of washing and shared 626 hours of meaningful conversation with locals, helping to build connection and trust within our community. We sincerely thank Orange Sky, St Alban's Anglican Church Mooroopna, Gouge Linen and Garment Services, and our dedicated volunteers. Together, we’re creating a weekly hub of support that shows what’s possible when local partners work together to achieve better outcomes for our community. #GreaterSheppartonLighthouseProject #OrangeSkyAustralia #CommunityPartnership #Mooroopna #FosteringEquity #LocalImpact #Collaboration

Meet Georgina McKenzie  - our Partnerships Manager 👋   Georgie is at the heart of connecting our corporate supporters with the people, volunteers and communities within Orange Sky. Her role is incredibly varied - one day she might be pitching to a prospective partner, the next she’s out on shift with an executive, attending events across the country, working on strategy, or supporting the team to stay on track with their goals. Simply put, she’s a master of making connections that make real impact happen.   She started as a Delta Officer in April 2021, then moved to a Partnerships Coordinator role in September 2021, was promoted to Partnerships Specialist in July 2022, and became our Partnerships Manager in January 2023 - what a journey!   "I love how genuinely passionate our staff and volunteers are about our cause. We make a great team, and volunteers really are the backbone of the organisation. I feel really privileged to be a position to connect corporate supporters with our volunteers, services and friends on a daily basis. So in essence, it's the people and the way everyone leans in, in the ways they can, to help more friends."   "Working at Orange Sky has deepened my understanding of homelessness and what it means to connect with people whatever stage they are at. I've met some incredible friends who have taught me a lot about life, educated me on what real hardship looks like and inspired me to do more inside and outside of my job, to advocate for those who don't always get a say or have their voice heard."   We’re so grateful for Georgie’s energy, passion and commitment to building partnerships that help us grow our impact every day 🧡    

We know we just told you about our newest service launching in Coen, but we have another little surprise up our sleeve... we launched another remote service just last week in Yarralin.   Home to the Ngarinyman people, along with the Mudburra and Bilinara peoples, Yarralin is a community located in the Northern Territory, approximately 390km southwest of Katherine.   In partnership with Katherine West Health Board (KWHB) we are so excited to bring one of our remote vehicles to the region to support the community with free laundry as well as local employment opportunities.   Judith, Orange Sky Senior Impact Manager, reflects on her time spent in community:   "Last week Senior Support Officer, Xuan, and I were welcomed into the Yarralin community to deliver an Orange Sky laundry van and train a team of local people who are employed by Katherine West Health Board to run the facility for the community.   Community needs surveys in Yarralin had uncovered many people struggled with owning or accessing a washing machine and knowing the importance of clean clothing and bedding to wellbeing, Katherine West Health Board partnered with Orange Sky to improve access to washing facilities in the region. This is the first of many services to roll out in the region.   We had a meaningful and productive week delivering shifts for residents, completing 56 loads of washing. We're really excited to work alongside Katherine West Health Board. A heartfelt thank you to the Yarralin community for welcoming Orange Sky so warmly and to the incredible employees we handed over the truck keys to."

We’re so proud of the incredible collaboration between Orange Sky and our partners - North West Hospital and Health Service, Doomadgee Aboriginal Shire Council, Mornington Shire Council and North-West Queensland Indigenous Community Social Services - that led to this recognition at the National Rural and Remote Health Awards. Partnerships are such an important part of Orange Sky’s mission and we’re incredibly grateful to work alongside dedicated community leaders, local councils, health professionals and organisations who share our belief in connection and impact. This award is a powerful acknowledgement of what’s possible when communities and organisations come together with a shared purpose - to improve health and wellbeing outcomes in some of the most remote parts of Australia.

Did you know Orange Sky operates in 20 remote communities across QLD, NT and WA? Orange Sky Remote team member, Mitch, recently joined the incredible team on the ground in Kununurra, WA. He spent the week helping out on shift, lending some extra care to the remote vehicle and connecting with community. Through our partnership with Job Pathways and working with the local community, we’re proud to provide opportunities for residents that aren't always readily available in remote communities. The remote vehicle not only offers locals a safe and free place to do their washing, but also creates employment opportunities for community members to join the team and run the laundry service. Mitch reflects on his time spent in community: "A special shout out to Denise, the newest Orange Sky team member in Kununurra! In just a few short weeks, she’s already mastered the ins and outs of operating the RV and is keen to share the purpose of Orange Sky with her community. Alongside the team, Denise is making such a positive impact every week. She was excited when I told her I’d share her photo with the team and was laughing that she’d be famous all over Australia and New Zealand." "During shift, residents shared some beautiful art with us. They didn’t have laundry to do – they simply came by for a yarn and to connect." These moments remind us that Orange Sky is about more than clean clothes - it’s about community, stories and human connection 🧡