Orange Sky set to launch in Hervey Bay
ORANGE Sky, a not-for-profit organisation providing free laundry services and meaningful connections to people doing it tough, is extending its reach to the Fraser Coast, announcing the launch of a new service in Hervey Bay.
The initiative marks Orange Sky’s 54th service across Australia and is set to officially begin at 9am on Tuesday, 18 November.
The arrival of the new service comes at a critical time for the Hervey Bay community, which is grappling with growing housing stress and cost-of-living pressures.
Orange Sky’s Chief Operating Officer, Shayne Herriott, said the organisation’s mission is to connect with communities and provide practical help to those who need it most.
“Connecting communities through essential services and a place for conversation is at the core of what we do.”
“Right now, many Australians are facing increasing challenges, making it more important than ever for Orange Sky to grow our services and assist more people - especially as the cost of living rises and the housing crisis deepens,” Mr Herriott said.
“Recent ABS and AIHW data highlights the growing demand for support in Hervey Bay.”
“We’re thrilled to be working alongside local partners to bring an Orange Sky service to the area and provide much-needed support to those doing it tough.”
While Orange Sky is known for its distinctive orange mobile laundry and shower vans, the Hervey Bay service will operate under an innovative new model — the Orange Sky Indoor Laundromat.
Instead of being van-based, this model places washing machines and dryers inside a service partner organisation, ensuring accessibility and ongoing support in a central location.
From launch day, shifts will run every Tuesday and Thursday from 9am to 11am at the newly managed Laundry 4655, located at Shop 6/12 Main Street, Pialba.
The service will be completely free and available to anyone in the community who needs a safe, welcoming space to wash their clothes and connect with volunteers.
Orange Sky is also calling on local residents to get involved and help make a difference.
Volunteers play an essential role in the organisation’s mission — not only assisting with laundry but also providing conversation and connection to those who may feel isolated.
Those interested in joining the volunteer team or learning more about the program can visit https://orangesky.org.au/volunteer/
To celebrate the launch, the community is invited to a special event at 8:30am on Tuesday, 18 November, at Laundry 4655, Shop 6/12 Main Street, Pialba.
Mayor George Seymour and local councillors will say a few words, an orange launch ribbon will be cut, and new volunteers will be on hand to chat with attendees about the service and how locals can get involved.
It’s a great opportunity for the community to see the new service in action and support Orange Sky’s mission to help those doing it tough across Hervey Bay.
