Paul Gordan

"From Rails to Laundry: Aurizon's Innovative Partnership with Orange Sky" In the heart of Mackay, Paul Gordon's story unfolds as a compelling example of how corporate partnerships can drive meaningful change in communities. As a representative of Aurizon, Australia's largest rail freight organization, Paul provides unique insights into the company's decade-long partnership with Orange Sky, illustrating how shared values and innovative thinking can create impactful community initiatives. Paul's journey with Aurizon spans ten years and multiple locations across Australia. His current role overseeing a maintenance contract in Mackay has given him a front-row seat to the company's engagement with Orange Sky. "Aurizon is very much focused on giving back to the community in which we operate," Paul explains. This commitment to community support aligns perfectly with Orange Sky's mission, creating a natural partnership. The collaboration between Aurizon and Orange Sky goes beyond financial support. Paul emphasizes the importance of employee volunteering: "Beyond the financial support that we provide, a lot of Aurizon staff, myself included, provide that volunteering support as well." This dual approach of financial and time investment underscores Aurizon's commitment to making a tangible difference in their communities. One of the most innovative aspects of Aurizon's partnership with Orange Sky is the barbecue trailer project in Serena, a community about 30km south of Mackay. Paul describes how Aurizon's apprentices were tasked with building a purpose-built trailer as part of their project work. "We asked our apprentices down at the maintenance facility to build a purpose-built trailer as one of their projects, which they did. And in classic engineering and Aurizon form, we went all out," Paul shares with pride. This barbecue trailer now serves as a focal point for community engagement, with various Aurizon teams taking turns on an eight-week rotating roster to provide food services alongside Orange Sky's laundry pod. "We head down there and cook sausages, onions and provide it to the friends of Orange Sky in the hope that food brings them in to then connect them to the services that they may need from time to time," Paul explains. Paul's experience with Orange Sky has profoundly shifted his perspective on homelessness. He reflects, "What's changed my perspective around the definition of homelessness or what that classical view of someone living on the streets is that's shifted quite a lot." He acknowledges the reality of the cost of living crisis and how quickly circumstances can change for individuals, especially in areas with low vacancy rates like Mackay. Looking to the future, Paul sees potential for further expansion of services. He mentions an ongoing project to convert an unused toilet block into shower facilities, which would complement the existing laundry and food services. "When you think of you've got shower, toilet, laundry services and food, that's kind of like the golden triangle of providing that dignity of service," he notes. Paul's story highlights the power of corporate partnerships in addressing social issues. By aligning Aurizon's values with Orange Sky's mission, they've created a model of community engagement that goes beyond traditional corporate social responsibility. Through innovative projects like the barbecue trailer and consistent volunteer involvement, Aurizon and Orange Sky are working together to provide essential services and foster social connections in communities across Australia. As Paul and his team at Aurizon continue to support and innovate alongside Orange Sky, their partnership serves as an inspiring example of how businesses can play a crucial role in addressing community needs and promoting social inclusion.