Young Australians of the Year Nic Marchesi and Lucas Patchett dropped in to Tilbuster Station to speak to the youth of Armidale with their Orange Sky Laundry van, washing and drying clothes for the homeless.

Over 70 people turned out on a wet day to welcome the Young Australians of the Year on their nomination drive from Brisbane to Melbourne. Nic and Lucas spoke about how they started their journey of washing and drying clothes for the homeless, their biggest surprise was how long it takes to wash and dry clothes and what to do whilst you wait; you make a connection with that person. Being homeless is never a choice, circumstances bring these people to where they are. Just talking to them, listening and a friendly face can be all they need.

Orange Sky Laundry is the world’s first free mobile laundry service for the homeless. A crazy idea in 2014 to put two washing machines and two dryers in a van and wash and dry clothes for free. Starting in the streets of Brisbane, Orange Sky has now grown to 9 services across Australia in Brisbane, Gold Coast, Melbourne, Sydney, Sunshine Coast, Canberra, Perth, Adelaide, SE Melbourne and now does over 5.8 tonnes of laundry every week. However most importantly, having over 1,200 hours of positive and genuine conversations every week.

Whilst on their journey, Nic and Lucas are seeking inspiring Australians to nominate for Australian of the Year 2017. Congratulations to our Pathways Team Leader, Anthony Marriott on his nomination by Nic Marchesi. Watch Anthony’s story here.

Amazing guys, what an inspiration! Snippet of their visit can be viewed here