Orange Sky Mackay Celebrates New Upgrades

Orange Sky Mackay has officially unveiled its upgraded service space, offering a safe place to access free laundry services and connection. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara

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Orange Sky Celebrates Mackay Service Upgrade

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Orange Sky homelessness support has celebrated the completion of major upgrades to its Mackay service, supported by $40,000 in grants from Mackay Regional Council and the Mackay Community Fund, at an official grand opening held on Wednesday22nd July

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Part of the funding was secured by Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox MP for the facility and its awning, providing a sheltered space where people can stay protected from the rain and sun.

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The upgrades included a new patio, giving users a clean, safe and sheltered space to sit, connect and chat while accessing Orange Sky’s free laundry service.

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Orange Sky has supported the Mackay community for nine years, with volunteers completing 13,561 washes and providing 24,632 hours of connection and non-judgemental conversation since the service launched.

“It just takes a lot of their anxiety away that they know that they can come and get their washing done in a friendly and safe environment,” Mr Willcox said.

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“They leave here and feel really good about themselves, and that makes me feel good. This is why I support initiatives like this, and do what I do.”

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Orange Sky Co-Founder Nicholas Marchesi said demand for the service had grown over the past year.

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“To now have an amazing location alongside the Girl Guides, where people can sit down, put their washing on under shelter, is really a massive step forward in us delivering our service,” he said.

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For service user Brendan, the service provides practical support during a difficult period.

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“Washing your clothes at a laundromat is expensive, and the fact that this exists really eases that section of my life. The people here are great,” he said.

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