Help Wanted: Orange Sky Launches in Whitsundays

Orange Sky Australia is bringing its life-changing laundry service to the Whitsundays, aiming to support locals who are doing it tough. The not-for-profit has secured a location and the necessary resources for the region, but the launch is dependent on securing enough local volunteers to join the team.

The need is clear. The Orange Sky service in Mackay, established in 2017, has struggled to keep up with demand due to critically low volunteer numbers. With rising living costs and growing social challenges, many in the community face practical difficulties when it comes to washing and drying their laundry. Orange Sky exists to bridge that gap, offering practical assistance while also providing connection and conversation to those who may feel isolated.

While the service is usually delivered via the iconic bright orange mobile vans, the Whitsundays will see a new approach with the launch of an Orange Sky Indoor Laundromat. By installing washing machines and dryers within a partner organisation in an area of need, the program provides a practical, accessible, and welcoming space for locals. The Whitsundays Coin Laundromat, at 42 Stewart Drive, Cannonvale, will become Orange Sky’s 51st service location across Australia, offering a unique, community-centred solution.

The indoor laundromat will operate every Monday and Thursday from 1 pm to 3 pm. Volunteers are asked to commit just two hours a fortnight, providing both practical assistance with laundry and the simple yet invaluable gift of human connection. “Our organisation seeks to positively connect communities through conversation and building relationships, so having consistent volunteers on shift is essential,” says Orange Sky.

The program is inclusive and welcoming to anyone who wants to contribute, with no prior qualifications required. Volunteers will become part of a team dedicated to creating a space where locals experiencing hardship can feel seen, supported, and connected. It is a model that combines practical help with emotional and social support, recognising that connection is as vital as clean clothes.

Orange Sky encourages locals interested in volunteering to register their interest by visiting orangesky.org/volunteer. The preliminary form allows the team to share more information and guide potential volunteers through the process. With a six-month commitment on a regular team, either weekly or fortnightly, volunteers will help ensure that the service can run smoothly and consistently.

In a world where the cost of living is rising and social isolation is increasingly common, Orange Sky’s new Whitsundays service offers more than clean clothes. It offers a space for conversation, connection, and community. The hope is that with enough volunteers, the Whitsundays will soon welcome this vital program, giving locals not just practical support but also a chance to feel part of something bigger.

What: Orange Sky Volunteering
When: Mondays and Thursdays 1-3pm, from September 2025
Where: 42 Stewart Dr, Cannonvale QLD 4802

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Orange Sky Needs Volunteers! Photo Source: https://orangesky.org.au/

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