Orange Sky Supports Rising Numbers Of Homeless And Struggling Families In The Region

By Hannah McNamara

Since 2017, Orange Sky has provided free laundry services and a safe space to connect for those experiencing homelessness and hardship in Mackay and Sarina. Over 80 dedicated volunteers run 10 shifts weekly, and demand continues to grow.

"We've seen a 10 per cent increase in our services, and Orange Sky services have never been busier," said Co-founder Nic Marchesi OAM.

The service not only addresses practical needs but also creates opportunities for community connection.  

Mayor Greg Williamson emphasised its broader impact.

"To have Orange Sky, not just as somewhere to come and get your clothes washed, but as somewhere to sit down and talk to some volunteers about anything, is so important."

Mackay Mayor Greg Williamson met with Orange Sky Co-Founder Nic Marchesi OAM, Orange Sky Mackay Service Leader Lisa Jamieson, Aurizon representatives and the amazing bunch of volunteers at the first-ever pod built in Sarina. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara

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Laundry With Compassion

Orange Sky’s Growing Impact

Since its inception in Mackay in 2017, Orange Sky has become an essential support service for those experiencing homelessness and financial hardship. Through a dedicated team of over 80 volunteers, Orange Sky runs 10 shifts weekly across Mackay and Sarina, offering free laundry services and, most importantly, a safe space to connect.

Co-founder Nic Marchesi OAM highlighted the growing demand for Orange Sky's services, stating, "We've seen a 10 per cent increase in our services, and Orange Sky services have never been busier."  

He acknowledged the complexity of homelessness and emphasises the importance of collaborative efforts within the community.

"What we know is that homelessness is very complex, but those really simple things of community services working together to support people in the community that are doing it tough are so incredibly important."

The significance of these services extends beyond just clean clothes.  

Mackay Mayor Greg Williamson, who recently visited the Orange Sky laundry pod in Sarina, emphasised the charity's important community impact.

"To have Orange Sky, not just as somewhere to come and get your clothes washed, but as somewhere to sit down and talk to some volunteers about anything, is so important,” Mayor Williamson said.

"We know that from those discussions, our community is enriched because people's lives can be changed just by sitting down with the volunteers here and saying, 'I need help.'"

Mayor Williamson also recognised the efforts of Orange Sky's volunteers and their contributions to the community.  

"This is a really, really important community effort, and to the 80-odd volunteers from Sarina through to Mackay, I take my hat off to them," he said.  

He highlighted the increasing pressures driving people into homelessness, noting that, "Everybody realises that the cost-of-living impacts today are forcing a lot more people to look at their lifestyles and how much they spend on things.  

“There are a lot of people who are driven into homelessness by what's happening in the economy."

Orange Sky Mackay Service Leader Lisa Jamieson has also observed a rise in demand over the last few months.

"We’re seeing an increase in the numbers and we’re seeing new people coming in, and that's really heartbreaking," she said.  

Ms Jamieson explains that the organisation is not only assisting those sleeping rough but also families with back-to-school children, the elderly, and employed individuals who are struggling to make ends meet.

Orange Sky’s mission extends beyond providing a practical service, and that’s why Jamieson believes that their strength lies in connectivity and compassion.  

"We all like to have a chat, and if anyone would like to come down and have a chat with us and find out what our services are like, whether they'd like to volunteer with us or whether they'd like to work alongside us, we’re certainly looking for that support in the community," she said.

Aurizon has been a key supporter of Orange Sky, frequently hosting BBQs for the organisation and, most recently, donating multiple long-sleeve sun-safe shirts for the entire volunteer team, ensuring they stay protected while helping others.

To learn more about their services or to get involved as a volunteer, visit www.orangesky.org.au

Since 2017, Orange Sky has provided free laundry services and a safe space to connect in Mackay and Sarina, with growing demand highlighting its vital role in supporting individuals and encouraging community connections. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara

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