Orange Sky launch free laundry services in Gladstone for those in need
Not-for-profit organisation Orange Sky is rolling out a laundry pod to help those in need in Gladstone as homelessness rises by 34 per cent
Gladstone
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Free laundry services will be available to those in need in Gladstone from mid-May.
Not-for-profit organisation Orange Sky is rolling out the laundry pod which will mark its 37th service across Australia.
A team of local volunteers will operate the pod out of the Phillip Street Community and Families Precinct, a space that aims to bring community groups and service providers together.
The laundry pod is a stand-alone structure and will have two washing machines and two dryers.
Orange Sky chose to expand to Gladstone as 2021 Census data showed homelessness in the town had increased by 34 per cent since 2016.
“With the rise in cost of living and the current housing crisis, we know Aussies are doing it really tough right now, so it’s never been more important for Orange Sky to launch more services and help more communities in need,” Orange Sky Co-founder and CEO Lucas Patchett said.
“As we have seen throughout the latest ABS Census data, the need for support services in the Gladstone region is increasing.
“Through the support of the Minderoo Foundation providing funding for the service, and working hand-in-hand with the Gladstone Salvation Army and the community, we are excited to launch a new Orange Sky service to support our friends doing it tough in the region.”
Capital funding for the pod was provided by the Minderoo Foundation, a philanthropic organisation founded by Andrew and Nicola Forrest, and Orange Sky is actively seeking further funding for ongoing costs.
“We recognise that disasters such as fire and flood are a significant risk to the Gladstone region and their communities, and the impact of these events, on top of homelessness can hit vulnerable individuals extremely hard,” Minderoo Foundation Resilient Communities Mission lead Matthew Chesnais said.
“We are pleased to extend our partnership with Orange Sky to introduce a laundry pod to the region to support the community with a simple, yet essential, hygiene service that a lot of us take for granted that could assist in times of emergency as well.”
From mid-May, the laundry pod service will be available each Tuesday and Wednesday from 9:30am to 11:30am.
Orange Sky is also encouraging community locals to volunteer. Head to orangesky.org.au/volunteer to sign up.
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