Essential free mobile laundry service is coming to Kununurra to support the community

Orange Sky, a not-for-profit organisation supporting people in need with free mobile laundry facilities and a safe space for genuine connection, today announces they are launching a service in Kununurra – which will be their third remote service in Western Australia.

In partnership with Job Pathways, Orange Sky is bringing one of their bright orange solar-powered remote laundry vehicles, fitted with three washing machines and three dryers, to the Kununurra community

Not only will the laundry truck offer locals a safe space to connect and do their washing for free; the partnership with Job Pathways will also provide employment opportunities for locals to become part of the team and operate the laundry service.

Orange Sky Senior Impact Manager, Judith Meiklejohn, said the Orange Sky and Job Pathways teams worked together to identify the need and purpose for the service in the region and are thrilled to finally be in a position to bring the much-needed service to the community.

“Many people and families in remote communities don’t have access to basic facilities like washing machines and if they do, they often don’t last long – with new washing machines being expensive and difficult to repair or replace given the geographical location,” Judith said.

“We know there are many people doing it tough across the Kimberley region. From our research and through many conversations we have had with local groups, we have learnt that there is a strain on the available support resources within the community, specifically the demand for washing facilities in the Kununurra region is significant.”

“Working hand-in-hand with local organisations and the community, we are excited to launch an Orange Sky service to support people in need in Kununurra,” Judith said.

In addition to supporting people experiencing homelessness and hardship, the increase in cost of living has resulted in Orange Sky being busier than ever across its metropolitan fleet, now supporting an influx of individuals and families who are struggling to make ends meet.

Laura Little, from partner organisation Job Pathways, said the team is excited to welcome Orange Sky to Kununurra, that the service will make a huge difference to people who can’t regularly access laundry facilities, as well as provide employment opportunities for local people to work alongside their community.

Job Pathways is fundamentally an employment service provider, supporting people to gain skills, find and maintain employment. This is only successful if we can provide or access the support people need to manage barriers that may impact them engaging in employment programs. Having access to clean clothes is one barrier that many of our community members face. Through the Job Pathways partnership with Orange Sky, we can assist in managing this barrier to employment, while providing an essential service to the community.

Orange Sky, in partnership with Job Pathways, will be bringing the mobile laundry facility to Kununurra on June 17th, with a full list of operating shift days, times and locations to come, which can be found on their website https://locations.orangesky.org.au/

ABOUT ORANGE SKY

Established in Brisbane in 2014, Orange Sky is the world’s first free mobile laundry and shower service, now operating in 38 locations across Australia and 4 in New Zealand.

Our mission is to create a safe, positive and supportive environment for people experiencing homelessness who are often ignored or feel disconnected from the community. Staffed by volunteers who are empathetic listeners and great conversationalists, Orange Sky aims to positively connect everyday Australians and New Zealanders through clean clothes, warm showers and conversation via our iconic mobile orange vans.

www.orangesky.org.au

FOR MEDIA ENQUIRIES

Casey Irwin
PR and Marketing Specialist, Orange Sky
E: casey.irwin@orangesky.org.au
P: 0438 626 895