Blue Sea, Orange Sky

Each year ACA pays tribute to a philanthropic organisation operating in the Conference location. This is a wonderful opportunity to take our members outside of their everyday business activities, look more broadly at the world and possibly inspire them to give back through a donation of dollars or volunteer hours. For our 20th anniversary Conference we have chosen Orange Sky Laundry (OSL), an organisation which truly reflects our theme “Our People, Our Passion, Our Success”… and, like us, as they also rely on water – what a great fit! OSL provides the world’s first free mobile laundry service for the homeless. Founders, Nic Marchesi and Lucas Patchett, Young Australians of the Year 2016 have graciously agreed to tell their story at the Conference’s closing breakfast. These fabulous young entrepreneurs started by putting two washer/dryers in their old van in Brisbane in 2014 and have since expanded the service to many Australian locations. They now do nearly 7 tonnes of laundry weekly. A new initiative has seen the introduction of their first van with hot showers which they also hope to replicate. Orange Sky is about providing basic needs that we take for granted to people living on the streets who with clean clothes, a hot shower and an hour’s conversation with the volunteers can feel a little brighter about their day. Registrations are still open for the Conference which includes the opportunity to attend this breakfast. For more information, visit australiancruiseassociation.com.