From one Wash to Three

Whitsundays Coin Laundry.  

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Four years ago, Michelle and Ben took a chance on a Cannonvale laundromat. Today, that leap of faith has grown into a three-site business serving communities across the Whitsundays.  

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The idea was born during Ben's time working as a miner, where waiting for loads of washing to finish revealed an opportunity where others saw a chore.

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“He was like, with the amount of times he sat there, he thought this could be a really good investment,” said Michelle.  

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In November 2022, the couple purchased the Cannonvale laundromat, transforming the long-running business into more than just a place to wash clothes.

Originally from Mackay and Brisbane, Ben and Michelle quickly became part of the community, with customer feedback driving upgrades and eventually inspiring expansion across the region.

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"It's just listening and the support, and that's what's helped us grow," Michelle said.  

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By December 2023, those conversations led the couple to Jubilee Pocket, where they purchased and refurbished an existing laundromat after hearing strong demand from locals.

A year later, they expanded again, transforming a former bike, mower and curtain shop at 10 Chapman Street into Proserpine's much-needed 2nd laundromat. Now, their sights are on a fourth location in Bowen down the track.  

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“Bowen is growing in so many ways,” said Michelle.  

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“A couple of laundry mats could be welcomed up there quite easily.”  

Looking back, Michelle said running three laundromats was never part of the couple's original plan.

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"Sometimes you can overthink too much when you're investing in a business, but this came along and it's an essential service,” she said.  

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She also paid tribute to the staff who keep the laundromats running each day, thanking long-time team member Carol, Jen and the team from Sparkling Sisters for their commitment to maintaining the sites and providing excellent customer service.

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