Clean clothes, hot showers and human connection: Allianz backs Orange Sky to support disaster recovery

Allianz Australia has today announced Orange Sky as the Principal Partner in its Allianz Community Care program, strengthening support for Australians experiencing hardship, including those recovering from natural disasters.

As Principal Partner of Orange Sky, Allianz will support the delivery of free mobile laundry, shower services and connection services across Australia, helping people access practical support by providing inclusive spaces that prioritise the wellbeing and dignity of people experiencing hardship. As Orange Sky’s exclusive Community Recovery Support partner, Allianz will also help enable Orange Sky’s disaster recovery response, supporting the deployment of services where Orange Sky is able to provide support following natural disasters.

The partnership comes as new research commissioned by Allianz found Australians³ increasingly recognise that recovery extends beyond physical rebuilding. Six in 10 surveyed Australians (60%) are concerned that natural disasters are becoming more frequent or severe¹, while 88% believe access to free support services after a disaster is important.⁴

The research also found Australians value practical services that help restore normality after disaster. Access to shower facilities (63%) and free clothes-washing and drying facilities (51%) are among the most important needs when recovering from a disaster, alongside safe, welcoming spaces for connection and supportive conversations (56%).⁵

Social connection is a critical part of recovery. Research from The University of Queensland⁶ found that forming new social connections after a natural disaster can positively influence recovery outcomes by providing access to practical, emotional and community support. Through its services, Orange Sky helps create the safe, welcoming environments where those connections can begin.

The Allianz research also points to a clear role for business, with more than nine in 10 Australians (94%)² saying businesses should contribute to disaster recovery in the communities where they operate.

The partnership forms part of the Allianz Community Care program, uniting Allianz Australia's community partnerships under one shared mission. It aims to build mental resilience, strengthen social connection, and support long-term disaster recovery, extending Allianz’s role in helping customers recover from disasters to the practical and human support communities need to rebuild.

Libby Davidson, Chief General Manager Corporate Affairs & Governance, Allianz Australia, said, “Our research showed that 60% of Australians are worried disasters are becoming more frequent or severe,¹ but what stood out most was what people said they need afterwards: practical support, dignity and human connection.

“We also heard a clear expectation that businesses have a role to play. More than nine in 10 Australians told us it's important for businesses to contribute to recovery efforts, particularly through practical, community-based support.²

“Orange Sky creates those moments every day. Whether it's a hot shower, clean clothes or simply someone to talk to, those small acts can help people take the first steps towards recovery. That's exactly the kind of support Allianz Community Care was created to back.”

Lucas Patchett, CEO & Co-Founder of Orange Sky, welcomed the partnership and its focus on supporting Australians through moments of hardship and recovery.

“In the aftermath of a disaster, people can lose much more than their only possessions. They can lose routines, familiar places and the sense of connection that makes a community feel like home. This partnership will support Orange Sky to be there for more Australians during those moments, providing practical support while creating opportunities for connection and hope. We're proud to be working with Allianz to help communities recover and remain resilient one conversation at a time.”

Through Allianz's support, Orange Sky expects to expand the reach of its services, helping more Australians access essential services and community recovery support each year. Allianz’s support will also provide critical operating costs including equipment, personnel, maintenance and volunteer training.

The announcement follows Allianz's recent partnerships with Rural Aid and Outside the Locker Room, which together form part of Allianz Community Care's broader commitment to supporting long-term recovery, mental wellbeing and social connection in communities across Australia.