Richard Calligan
Richard Calligan, regional president of St Vincent de Paul, highlights the synergy between their work and Orange Sky in providing practical support.
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"It's hard to separate the washing from the conversation. It's the... Providing that opportunity for people to wash clothes. And there's a... What I've learned is that there's a range of reasons why people may need to wash clothes, including the breakdown of your own washing machine. It doesn't mean you're destitute or anything like that. It just means that you need an alternative."
"Orange Sky is a way... is a way for people to contribute to the community in a very practical way, and without putting much demands on them. And there's no meetings to attend, it seems. There are just opportunities to come in and work with people and build up relationships that would allow someone to... who's been in...find themselves in a difficult situation..."
"St Vincent de Paul is grateful for the opportunity to work with Orange Sky and provide service to people in need."
"It's hard to separate the washing from the conversation. It's the... Providing that opportunity for people to wash clothes. And there's a... What I've learned is that there's a range of reasons why people may need to wash clothes, including the breakdown of your own washing machine. It doesn't mean you're destitute or anything like that. It just means that you need an alternative."
"Synergy in Service: St Vincent de Paul and Orange Sky's Collaborative Impact in Mackay"
In the heart of Mackay, a powerful collaboration between St Vincent de Paul and Orange Sky is redefining community support. Richard Calligan, the regional president of St Vincent de Paul, shares insights into this partnership and its impact on the local community.
Richard's journey with Orange Sky began years ago when he first heard about their mobile laundry services. As he stepped into his role as regional president, the partnership between St Vincent de Paul and Orange Sky deepened. "I became much more aware of the previous regional president. He had provided an opportunity for Orange Sky to use our resources here in terms of a place so they could be a much more stable presence rather than working out the front through a van situation," Richard explains.
This collaboration has created a unique synergy, a word Richard struggled to find initially but perfectly encapsulates the relationship. "It's very... I can't think of the word, but it's very... It's not serendipitous, but it's certainly very helpful," he reflects. This synergy manifests in the scheduling of services, with Orange Sky operating on the same days as St Vincent de Paul's family support days.
The impact of this partnership extends beyond just providing clean laundry. Richard emphasizes the dual importance of the practical service and the human connection it fosters. "It's hard to separate the washing from the conversation," he notes. "What I've learned is that there's a range of reasons why people may need to wash clothes, including the breakdown of your own washing machine. It doesn't mean you're destitute or anything like that. It just means that you need an alternative."
This understanding highlights the non-judgmental and accessible nature of the services provided. It's not just about addressing extreme need but offering support to anyone in the community who might benefit from it. This approach aligns perfectly with St Vincent de Paul's mission of providing outreach and conversation alongside practical assistance.
Richard also sheds light on the changing needs of the Mackay community. He observes increased demand for support, particularly around Christmas, New Year, and the start of the school year. "People just need additional support. Maybe some of the money they have can go into rent and other utilities, whereas we can provide relief in terms of giving them some groceries or some grocery vouchers," he explains.
Looking to the future, Richard envisions a Mackay that can address its housing and accommodation needs. He sees the potential in the community's wealth and generosity, emphasizing the need for collaboration between government and social groups. "We are a wealthy community and a generous community. We just need mechanisms and government and other groups within society to all push in the one direction. And be persistent," he states.
The partnership between St Vincent de Paul and Orange Sky serves as a model for how different organizations can work together to create a more significant impact. As Richard puts it, "Orange Sky is a way for people to contribute to the community in a very practical way, and without putting much demands on them." This accessibility and practicality make it an attractive option for those looking to make a difference.
As Mackay continues to grow and evolve, the collaboration between St Vincent de Paul and Orange Sky stands as a testament to the power of community partnerships. It offers not just clean laundry and groceries, but hope, dignity, and connection to those who need it most. Richard's vision for the future, including plans to convert their current site into accommodation units, promises even greater impact in the years to come.
In Richard's words, "St Vincent de Paul is grateful for the opportunity to work with Orange Sky and provide service to people in need." This gratitude, coupled with a commitment to ongoing collaboration, paints a hopeful picture for the future of community support in Mackay and beyond.
