Napranum Community Laundry officially opens
Rhonda loads the first load into the brand new 10kg commercial washer at the Yarning Shed.
Rhonda Parry from the Na’Muk’A’Run Mob has hit the start button on the very first wash and dry cycles in the brand-new washing machine and dryer in the Napranum Yarning Shed.
The 10KG commercial Washer and Dryer, which we proudly supplied to the Yarning Shed thanks in part to a successful Community Benefit Fund application, hummed immediately to life in front of a group of excited locals at the official opening on the 29th of April. The two machines will be available from 9am-3pm Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays) and aim to become a crucial part of keeping Napranum families healthy.
Community members are already seeing the benefit, with local Support worker Tiannie McCourt saying the convenience of being able to wash and dry an entire house worth of bedding in one load would greatly help her clients.
“Washing client’s bedding in normal machines means three to four loads, whereas this laundry will let me do a whole house lot in just one load” she said.
Jefferson Pablo from Apunipima said the laundry was an excellent way to connect locals and praised the initiative to help keep the community healthy.
“I don’t think there has been a laundromat here [in Napranum] before” he said.
“It’s a creative way of bringing the community together, and it’s a great way to boost hygiene too.”
Warren and Jane play connect 4, one of the many games and activities on offer in the Yarning Shed.
The Napranum community joined in launching the new community laundry.
The Laundry is situated in the same building as the successful Na’Muk’A’Run Mob Yarning Shed, and Rhonda and her team will not only be on hand to assist with the use of the new machines, but also to provide company and a space for anyone waiting for their washing. The Yarning Shed has operated as a vital community gathering place for almost a year now, with activities including a pool table, dart board, art room and free cuppas and snacks bringing people together regularly.
The shed has been visited by local support organisations and provides a place for informal connection alongside Kuku’nathi Services’ Napranum office. The new laundry is an added benefit for the Napranum community, and Rhonda said she was proud to be involved in the initiative.
“We are so happy to add the laundry to the Yarning Shed, and our community” she said.
“The laundry will help keep our local mob healthy. Not only is it a great way to keep clothes and bedding clean, but if you stay around for a free cuppa and a yarn, it will be a chance to connect with others doing the same.
“We are already seeing lots of people coming in, so don’t ‘Muk a round’, bring a load up and check out the new machines, and everything else on offer at the shed!