Australian not-for-profit organisation Orange Sky and electronics manufacturer REDARC Electronics are thrilled to announce the extension of their partnership for another five years to 2028. The ongoing collaboration aims to expand support for people experiencing homelessness and hardship in remote Australian communities using innovative solar-powered mobile laundry vehicles.
Driven by a mission to offer a safe, positive, and supportive environment for those experiencing homelessness and hardship, Orange Sky is the world’s first free mobile laundry and shower service. Each month, Orange Sky delivers around 8,000 washes, 500 showers and 8,500 hours of meaningful conversation for those seeking their invaluable services.
Since 2021, REDARC, as Orange Sky's National Power Partner, has helped drive a remarkable transformation across the organisation. All of Orange Sky's laundry and hybrid laundry and shower vehicles across Australia and New Zealand have been upgraded with REDARC's mobile solar power systems, leading to an incredible reduction in electrical consumption by up to 90% per shift. This technological leap has also enhanced asset reliability, enabling Orange Sky to expand its reach and assist an additional 1,000 friends across Australia each year.
Orange Sky Co-Founder, Nic Marchesi, lauded the extension of this partnership, “Orange Sky is the busiest we have ever been - our volunteers are seeing more people experiencing homelessness and people struggling financially than we’ve ever seen in our eight years.”
“Due to the increased demand in our service, it has never been more important for our vehicles to be more reliable and environmentally friendly. We value building strong connections with local communities, and through REDARC’s support, Orange Sky will be able to connect with more communities and reach more people and families who need support, or even just a friendly face to chat to.”
Anthony Kittel, REDARC Electronics Managing Director said, "REDARC is committed to enabling change that has a tangible, positive impact on communities.”
“Supporting Orange Sky not only extends well beyond the original agreement in duration but also extends its influence. It stands as a testament to our shared values and the power of innovation in connecting and uplifting communities. Orange Sky is now equipped to reach even the remotest communities of Australia including Maningrida, Wadeye, Fitzroy Crossing, Bidyadanga and Palm Island and reliably operate in the nation’s most challenging terrain and conditions."
This extended partnership will further solidify Orange Sky's mission to offer free laundry services, warm showers, and essential human connections to Australia and New Zealand's most vulnerable individuals. With this continued support from REDARC, Orange Sky's services can continue to serve metro, regional and remote communities with enhanced efficiency and reliability.
ABOUT ORANGE SKY
Established in Brisbane in 2014, Orange Sky is the world’s first free mobile laundry and shower service, now operating in 37 locations across Australia and 4 in New Zealand.Our mission is to create a safe, positive, and supportive environment for people experiencing homelessness who are often ignored or feel disconnected from the community. Staffed by volunteers who are empathetic listeners and great conversationalists, Orange Sky aims to positively connect everyday Australians and New Zealanders through clean clothes, warm showers, and conversation via our iconic mobile orange vans.
ABOUT REDARC
REDARC is a private, Australian owned, innovative electronics company that employs over 350 people and provides mobile, off-grid energy and safety management solutions to customers worldwide. Our inhouse design, production and technical support capability gives our customers the confidence to explore life and operate safely away from the grid. We are for adventurous spirits; those that like to push boundaries which often land them in mission critical situations where equipment must work. We test our products in some of the toughest environments on the planet and believe that products designed and made in Australia is a competitive advantage.
