Orange Sky Expands Support for Townsville Youth with Launch of School
Orange Sky has launched its School Laundry Program at Garbutt State School, providing students and their families with direct on-site access to free laundry facilities to help boost school attendance, wellbeing, and engagement. Officially launched on 15 July, Garbutt State School becomes the sixth school in Australia to adopt the Orange Sky School Laundry Program. Approximately one in four Australians experiencing homelessness are under the age of 18, yet many young people face hidden barriers that prevent them from accessing Orange Sky’s mobile laundry services, such as school commitments, transport limitations, or safety
concerns.
By installing commercial-grade washing machines and dryers directly on campus, Orange Sky is removing these barriers, ensuring clean school uniforms and clothes are accessible to every student without stigma. Orange Sky Transformation Specialist, Katie Lavidis said access to basic hygiene facilities should never be an obstacle to a child’s education.
“Having clean clothes can give kids confidence, and a real sense of belonging. The research backs this up, too – when hygiene is a struggle, it can often lead to bullying, feeling left out, and missed school days.Our School Laundry Program is designed to provide practical support right where young people spend their days. We supply the machines and cover the full cost and ongoing maintenance so schools can focus on what they do best – supporting and educating their students.” Ms Lavidis said.
The service operates five days a week on campus. Older grades will be supported by staff members to use the machines as part of a practical life skills program. Local families are welcomed onto school grounds after school hours to complete their household laundry as
well. Garbutt State School Principal, Jackie Guiney, said that the school was delighted to welcome the new service.
“We are thrilled to partner with Orange Sky to bring this essential service to our school community. This will have a positive impact on our students’ confidence and attendance, and provide learning around life skills. Opening the facilities to families after hours reinforces
Garbutt State School as a safe, supportive hub for our entire community.”
Member for Townsville, Adam Baillie MP, said the initiative will help local families and is another way to improve school attendance in a cost-of-living crisis.
“This is an innovative, practical initiative that will help Garbutt State School students and their families, and removes one of the barriers to regular school attendance. By bringing schools and community organisations like Orange Sky together, we are making a real difference in the lives of Townsville young people and relieving everyday pressure on families.”
Access to clean clothing is recognised by the United Nations as a basic right to an adequate standard of living. Similar school-based laundry programs internationally have demonstrated marked increases in student attendance, motivation, and participation in extracurricular
activities. Early insights from Australian educators suggest similar benefits, with access to clean clothes supporting student confidence, wellbeing and engagement at school.