Journalists recall their standout stories for 2017

They had a fundraising goal to make the Mid-North Coast the latest location for an Orange Sky Laundry van.

The seven-member committee's passion was infectious.  Individuals, non-government organisations, businesses and community groups threw their support behind the fundraising.

Make a Difference raised $110,000 for an Orange Sky Laundry van in just nine months. 

Now the Mid-North Coast has an Orange Sky Laundry van which provides a free mobile laundry service to the homeless and genuine discussion between the volunteers and homeless friends.

Homelessness is sometimes a hidden problem. That can make it a tricky subject to cover in a news sense.  But the need for the Orange Sky Laundry van is real.

Read Lisa’s full story on the campaign here:

The fundraising campaign created community awareness about homelessness.  Orange Sky Laundry is about more than washing and drying clothes for the homeless. It is a catalyst for conversation between volunteers and friends on the street.

I love to write stories about people.

I feel it is a privilege when people open their hearts to me and trust me to do their stories justice.

The Make a Difference fundraising campaign had people at its core - the committee driven to help the homeless, the individuals, business people and groups which came to the party, and importantly, the homeless people in our community.

The van, which is here to stay, operates in Port Macquarie, Laurieton, Wauchope, Kempsey and Taree.

Orange Sky Laundry has called for more volunteers as the service gains momentum on the Mid-North Coast.

For more information or to register to volunteer go to the Orange Sky Laundry website.​

Lisa Tisdell is a journalist with the Port Macquarie News.  If you have a story to share with her email lisa.tisdell@fairfaxmedia.com.au