Supporting Remote and First Nations Communities

Stories Supporting Remote and First Nations Communities While many of us don't think twice about doing laundry, for some people in remote communities, access to a washing machine can be out of reach. A few years after Orange Sky launched it’s first van in Brisbane, our services evolved to reach communities in remote Australia, where access to support services is often limited. Since then, Orange Sky has responded to many requests from remote communities and worked closely with First Nation leaders, residents and local organisations to provide access to free, accessible laundry facilities. It’s more than just clean clothes – it’s creating positive change by increasing access to essential laundry facilities that families simply can’t go without. The Journey In 2016, after working closely with the Lockhart River community in Queensland, Orange Sky launched the first remote laundry service. Since then, we’ve partnered with 17 communities across Australia, including: Maningrida Kalgoorlie Yuendumu Wurrumiyanga Broome Aurukun Gapuwiyak Kununurra Mount Isa Mornington Island Wadeye Palm Island Doomadgee Bidyadanga Alice Springs Lockhart River Ngangmarriyanga Discover how we establish a remote service Community Support Each community has different needs, priorities and solutions. However, one common story we hear when it comes to accessing washing machines is that they are often cost prohibitive and too small for bedding , power is costly , technicians are often not in community for repairs and there is limited access to transport meaning trips to laundromats aren’t always possible. Working with the community, many families can now wash their clothes and bedding at an Orange Sky laundry facility. Learn more about our Reconciliation Pathway, our vision and our progress Our commitment Vivienne's experience with Orange Sky, Maningrida Vivienne and her family are some of the friendly faces that visit our remote service in Maningrida, NT – run by Mala’la Health Services. In a region where laundry access is challenging, Vivienne shared how helpful it is to have her winter blankets washed and dried so her family can stay warm each night: "Always so good to have Orange Sky come and wash the big blankets. They take maybe 2 days to dry but Orange Sky can do it quick. They are very busy so it's nice to have them come and wash for me and my sisters and my mum." Vivienne Judith, Orange Sky Senior Impact Manager: “In 2021, we visited nearly 30 remote communities who had reached out to us in the past, to listen to and learn from people about their challenges and priorities. There was strong demand for the washing machines in the truck we travelled in and we heard a consistent story about the challenges of owning a washing machine and the desire to be in control of their wellbeing and that of their families and communities. Many shared a desire for meaningful jobs and the need for sustainable support. We met trusted local organisations who were doing incredible work in the community and what we learnt on this trip and working together with First Nations communities, is that we are creating meaningful change." - Jude At Orange Sky, we believe that where you live shouldn’t determine whether you have access to something as vital as a washing machine. We are proud to stand alongside First Nations communities, supporting community-driven solutions that promote health and wellbeing. Learn more Learn more about our Remote Communities Program Find your nearest Orange Sky service Learn about our Remote Vehicles (RVs) Our Partners Orange Sky’s remote services make up a third of our footprint across Australia, currently operating in communities in Queensland, Northern Territory and Western Australia. We could not deliver our service without community consultation, purposeful partnerships, local employment and the support of residents. Lockhart River (QLD) Established in 2017 Palm Island (QLD) Established in 2018 Maningrida (NT) Established in 2019 Wadeye (NT) Established in 2021 Bidyandanga (WA) Established in 2021 Aurukun (QLD) Established in 2022 Alice Springs (NT) Established in 2024 Wurrumiyanga (NT) Established in 2025 Lockhart River (QLD) Established in 2017 Palm Island (QLD) Established in 2018 Maningrida (NT) Established in 2019 Wadeye (NT) Established in 2021 Bidyandanga (WA) Established in 2021 Aurukun (QLD) Established in 2022 Alice Springs (NT) Established in 2024 Wurrumiyanga (NT) Established in 2025 I want to... Use your service Learn more about how to use our service. Donate Help us support people doing it tough. Volunteer All it takes is a few hours of your time each fortnight to make a difference. Fundraise Raise awareness and funds for Orange Sky. Partner See how your organisation can get involved