Lisa J

"Pods of Hope: Lisa's Journey with Orange Sky in Mackay"‍

In the heart of Mackay, a coastal city in Queensland, Lisa J stands proud as the service leader for Orange Sky's innovative laundry pods. Her story is one of community, connection, and the transformative power of a simple conversation.

Lisa oversees two pods in the Mackay area, including the world's first Orange Sky pod in Serena. "We've got the first ever pod that Orange Sky put in the world, we like to say. And that's Donny down in Serena," Lisa explains with evident pride. These permanent fixtures have become beacons of hope and accessibility for those in need.

The pods, unlike the mobile vans, offer a consistent presence in the community. "It certainly makes us loud and proud and visible," Lisa notes. "And that's probably one of the key things that works for us is that people know we're here and where to find us." This visibility has fostered a strong connection between Orange Sky and the Mackay community, which Lisa describes as "such a giving and caring community."

But it's not just about clean laundry. Lisa emphasizes the crucial role of the iconic Orange Sky chairs. "The chairs are the big thing about our shifts," she explains. "Laundry is good for the hygiene. Our service providers bring the food, which is good for people's sustenance... But it's that time in between when people get the chance to talk. And that you understand more about that person. And, you know, it just humanises people."

These conversations can be life-changing. Lisa shares a poignant story: "I've had examples where I've met someone here on Wednesday morning and been speaking to them. I've gone to another volunteering role on Thursday afternoon and saw them down there and had a chat here. Hi, how are you going? And I was really taken aback to say, well, you're the only person that I've spoken to in that whole time." This stark reminder of the isolation many face underscores the vital role Orange Sky plays in fostering human connection.
The Orange Sky pods also serve as a hub for connecting people with other support services. Lisa mentions their partnership with Vinnies, highlighting how these conversations can lead to further assistance and support.

For those considering volunteering, Lisa's enthusiasm is contagious. "Hey, come down and give it a try," she encourages. The diversity of volunteers, from university students to 80-year-olds, reflects the inclusive nature of Orange Sky's mission. Lisa emphasizes that volunteering is a two-way street: "As much as you think it's a giving role, they'll all walk away with a big smile on their face and think, Hey, that was a good shift. I didn't realise I'd get so much out of it that I do."

Lisa's story with Orange Sky in Mackay is a testament to the power of community engagement and the profound impact of human connection. Through the simple act of providing laundry services and a friendly ear, Orange Sky is weaving a stronger, more compassionate community fabric, one load of laundry and one conversation at a time.

In a world that can often feel disconnected, Lisa and the Orange Sky team in Mackay remind us of the transformative power of simple acts of kindness and the enduring strength of community bonds.