Learn about how our partnership with Uniting WA became a case study in collaboration and volunteers going above and beyond
Stories Spotlight: Tranby Engagement Hub, Perth How our partnership with Uniting WA became a case study in collaboration True collaboration isn’t just about sharing a space, it’s about sharing purpose. That’s exactly what has unfolded between Uniting WA and Orange Sky over the past decade. What began with two weekly volunteer-led shifts in the car park of the Tranby Engagement Hub – including long-term Orange Sky leader Lisa Sprlyan ‘s very first shift – has steadily grown into a trusted and enduring partnership. With the ongoing support of volunteers who go above and beyond, as well as partners like Alsco Uniforms and Castledex , the space has evolved into a dedicated indoor laundry hub now supporting hundreds of friends every year. This journey shows what’s possible when a service partner leads with openness and care, and when volunteers, donors and supporters rally behind a shared mission. Collaboration can spark real change – and at Tranby, it has. When Uniting WA renovated Tranby Engagement Hub in 2021, they invited us inside, and with Service Coordinator Rita Berry leading the charge alongside Uniting WA, the program launched its first official indoor shift with friend Derek. Since then, the space has continued to grow, introducing new efficiencies like offsite towel washing through Alsco Uniforms , rapidly expanding from a trial shift to now five days a week (hopefully soon to be seven!), and recently upgrading to commercial-grade machines to deliver faster, more reliable laundry for friends and volunteers alike. This is the story of how, together, we set up a service inside Tranby Engagement Hub , run by Uniting WA and Orange Sky volunteers, in the heart of Perth. Our Tranby Engagement Hub Service Through Time It all begins: February 2016 We started in February 2016 with just one humble van. Lisa Sprlyan (far left) was on that very first shift, and she has now been with us for almost a decade! 2016 - 2021: Our early partnership with Tranby We ran two shifts a week from the Tranby Engagement Centre's car park. 2021: Renovations When Tranby Engagement Hub offered to build us a laundry space, we were thrilled! They created a full, custom-built fit out for Orange Sky during their renovations. May 2021: Launch! With a brand new Orange Sky laundry service, the site welcomed its first friend, Derek, and was supported by our Service Coordinator, Rita Berry. 2023: Growth To meet heavy demand, Orange Sky began operating inside Tranby Engagement Hub 5 days/ week 2024: Partnerships and Collaboration! We introduced Uniting WA to our Official Partner, Alsco Uniforms, who now wash the shower towels offsite. Talk about collaboration! True collaboration in action When dedicated volunteers, kind donations and innovative spirit collides We were recently gifted new trolley tables, generously donated by Castledex in Perth . But they’re not just any trolley tables – they come from a community going above and beyond to support people doing it tough. Carefully designed by one of our volunteers, Phuoc , who is also an architect, these tables gave our team a practical and sturdy workspace. They also double as a soft barrier when laundry services becomes busy , helping us meet demand and keep the flow moving smoothly, while staying connected with our friends. “ I’ve been involved at Tranby for nearly 8 years. It has always been a big service, and a hub for people experiencing homelessness – the number of friends attending has been ever increasing. In the last six months particularly it’s been overwhelming. We could be there all day and still do more!” – Service Coordinator, Rita Check out Castledex Perth Not one load of laundry would be possible at Tranby without our service partner, Uniting WA "Reliable access to laundry might seem simple, but for our service users it makes a real difference to their comfort, confidence and wellbeing. This partnership shows how much stronger we are when services work together to meet people’s basic needs and keep essential services within reach.” Uniting WA Tranby Engagement Hub is a safe, inclusive space for people sleeping rough across the city. Open seven days a week, it offers meals, showers, and one-on-one support helping people move from crisis toward stable housing. The team also partners with visiting agencies to provide medical care, legal help, counselling and advocacy. Tranby has always been about creating a safe space where people are welcomed exactly as they are. This ethos aligns perfectly with Orange Sky’s commitment to partnering with organisations built on care and connection. We feel fortunate to work with incredible organisations like Uniting WA, and we’re working toward having our free laundry services available there all week long. Looking ahead The success of Tranby has opened the door to even more indoor services across Australia and New Zealand. If you’re interested in bringing an Orange Sky laundry to your community, please reach out. Contact Us! reset map Where we are Find our services near you! Browse Orange Sky Service Locations Use my location Search in faster text-only view --> "> Text View Directions Volunteer here What to expect I want to... Use your service Learn more about how to use our service. Donate Help us support people doing it tough. Volunteer All it takes is a few hours of your time each fortnight to make a difference. Fundraise Raise awareness and funds for Orange Sky. 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