The Power of Connection
Our Partnership with Orange Sky Australia
The spirit of the Northern Rivers has always been defined by its resilience and the way neighbours look out for one another. Since 2019, the Seaton Foundation has been proud to walk alongside Orange Sky Australia, an organisation that understands that sometimes the simplest acts—like a warm shower or a clean load of laundry—can be the start of a life-changing connection.
Meeting Friends Where They Are: The Story of ‘Don’
In our local community, our partnership centres on Don, a specialised hybrid van that brings essential services directly to those who need them most. Don currently powers eight weekly shifts across Mullumbimby, Ballina, Lismore, and Brunswick Heads. The impact in our own backyard is a testament to the region’s incredible volunteers:
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A Growing Presence: Our dedicated Northern Rivers volunteers have worked tirelessly to increase local shifts by 14% over the past year.
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More Than Laundry: While the practical help is vital, the "orange chairs" have become the heartbeat of the service. This past year alone, 289 friends in the Northern Rivers visited a shift specifically for a "yarn" and a friendly face.
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Tangible Change: Since our first gift in 2019, Don has provided 12,495 loads of laundry, 1,742 safe showers, and over 12,000 hours of non-judgemental conversation.
Innovation and Dignity Across Australia
Orange Sky’s work reaches far beyond our region, operating 86 active services across every state and territory. Their mission ensures no one faces hardship alone, whether in a major city or one of the 23 remote First Nations communities where they work in close partnership with local organisations. They are also leading the way in sustainable support through:
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Eco-Friendly Innovation: Using the world-first Waru Dryer, which reduces energy consumption by 90%, and transitioning their fleet to solar and battery power.
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The School Laundry Program: Partnering with schools to provide clean uniforms, helping students overcome barriers to attendance and feel a sense of belonging.
The Work Ahead
While there is much to celebrate, the Northern Rivers currently accounts for nearly half of all rough sleepers in New South Wales. As the cost-of-living and housing crises continue to affect our local towns, the demand for connection is growing faster than ever.
Orange Sky has set a bold goal to double its impact across Australia by 2030. We are honoured to be part of that journey, supporting a future where everyone—regardless of their circumstances—feels safe, seen, and cared for.
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It’s quite interesting because everyone's sort of from different walks of life, different problems, but everyone sort of is the same. Everyone looks out for each other
Mick, Orange Sky Friend