A service in Port Stephens offering those in need of a free feed, a chance to do some laundry and an empathetic ear has shifted locations in a bid to attract more users.
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The mobile Orange Sky Laundry and a food van from the Development and Relief Agency (DARA) has moved from Anna Bay, where it has operated since October 2017, to more central location in Nelson Bay.
“Numbers have fluctuated over the nine months we were in Anna Bay but we were getting up to 26 people a week,” DARA chief officer Barry Urwin.
“That number has dropped recently because of the cold weather. Some of our regulars to Anna Bay were coming from Nelson Bay anyway. So, we decided to bring it to Nelson Bay and see if more people will access it.”
The vans will now be based at All Saints Anglican Church in Tomaree Street, Nelson Bay between 6pm and 8pm each Monday. This began on July 16.
It comes after the vans shifted locations in Raymond Terrace in June.
After speaking with the Salvation Army in Raymond Terrace, which sees about 70 people access it Tuesday lunch service, DARA and Orange Sky moved from its location in the Bourke Street carpark.
It now operates at the the Salvation Army community centre in Carmichael Street between 5pm and 7pm each Wednesday.
“It’s turned into a real nice little community,” Mr Unwin said. “We get between 48 and 50 people each week. We expect more in summer. All sites develop over time. People begin to trust that you’ll be there. Once you have that trust, you start seeing a consistent group.”
The Nelson Bay service has now linked up with Community Transport Port Stephens to further help residents access the food van and mobile laundry.
A Community Transport bus will ferry residents to and from the church in Nelson Bay on a Monday.
“This partnership with Community Transport will prove useful for those feeling isolated or cannot access other transport to visit the vans,” Mr Unwin said.
DARA’s van and Orange Sky Laundry are volunteer run.
The food van offers vulnerable, homeless, socially isolated or financially stressed members of the community a free hot and nutritious meal.
Orange Sky offers free clothes washing and drying. The service is provided out of a distinct orange van.
Volunteers are also there to have a chat with.
Food and laundry vans locations:
- All Saints Anglican Church, 29 Tomaree St, Nelson Bay, 6pm to 8pm each Monday
- The Salvation Army Community, 15 Carmichael St, Raymond Terrace, 5pm to 7pm each Wednesday
Ellie-Marie Watts
A journalist with 10 years experience, Ellie-Marie connects readers to the stories that matter in their communities. A Port Stephens-based news, sport and event writer and photographer with a passion for human interest features.
A journalist with 10 years experience, Ellie-Marie connects readers to the stories that matter in their communities. A Port Stephens-based news, sport and event writer and photographer with a passion for human interest features.
