Townsville Enterprise Emerging Leaders have been working closely with Orange Sky Australia, to bring to life a mobile shower/laundry service to the region. Orange Sky is Australia’s first mobile laundry service that provides the homeless community access to free washing, drying and shower facilities.

The Townsville van, ‘Caz’, was launched locally in February and is named after Carolyn Kirk, who came on board at the beginning of the Orange Sky journey to organsie the donation of the first two washing machines in 2014. Caz, a hybrid van providing both shower and laundry facilities, can now be seen throughout Townsville helping those experiencing homelessness or in need of assistance, serving as a catalyst for change and hope in the region.

The van has been supported by CQUniversity Australia and has already begun helping those in need throughout the city. Emerging Leader, Dianne Purnell said, “Securing CQUniversity as a partner was a significant milestone for our team in delivering the Orange Sky van to the Townsville region. There is a strong synergy between the two organisations with their ability to influence change and also to innovate in the social space within our community. We are really proud to be a part of delivering this for our region.”

Now that the van has launched, the project team is looking ahead and are on the hunt for local individuals, businesses and organisations that would like to support the work of Orange Sky in Townsville. Emerging Leader, Liam Giudes said that, “One of the most important aspects of Orange Sky’s work is the connections formed between our friends on the street and the volunteers. Whilst a load of washing takes place, so can an hour’s worth of non-judgemental conversation.”

“Orange Sky has an immense impact on not only our friends on the street but also on the volunteers…”

Emerging Leader, Andrew Miller said, “The Orange Sky project has been an incredible opportunity to not only work with a leading Australian not for profit but also to work with some of our local leaders in helping to deliver this van to the Townsville region.”

The six orange chairs that come with the van are each themed; Training and Employment, Volunteer Management, Safety Management, Innovation and Technology, Power and Water, and Repairs and Maintenance. The funds from each chair contribute towards the operational costs of the van, but more importantly represent positive connections, conversation and the catalyst for change.

Collectively, the Emerging Leaders project team said, “We are proud to fly the orange flag as we know Orange Sky has an immense impact on not only our friends on the street but also on the volunteers who so generously give their time to help others”.

If you would like to volunteer with Orange Sky Australia in Townsville, get in touch via the Orange Sky website www.orangesky.org.au.

The Townsville based hybrid van has been jointly funded by the Queensland Government’s Dignity First Fund, CQUniversity Australia and NRMA.

If you would like to sponsor a chair please get in touch with Jo Westh, CEO Orange Sky Australia by email jo@orangesky.org.au.

orangeskylaundry.com.au