Australia Weather News

Free mobile laundry service Orange Sky has travelled nearly 1,000 kilometres to set up in Mackay so residents left suddenly homeless by Tropical Cyclone Debbie can wash and dry their clothes.

An Orange Sky van with two washing machines and two dryers on board arrived early on Wednesday afternoon in Mackay, where residents have been urged to conserve water with about half-a-day's supply left in reserve.

The mobile laundries, founded in Brisbane in 2014 by Lucas Patchett and Nic Marchesi, help by providing washing machines and dryers to Australia's homeless population.

"When we started Orange Sky we brought the van to north Queensland following Cyclone Marcia and did 1,000 kilograms of laundry in two days in Rockhampton and Yeppoon," Mr Marchesi said.

"So we made a call early this week to send a vehicle north to support following Debbie.

"That vehicle arrived this afternoon in Mackay ... and is working with local individuals but also organisations and families to wash and dry clothes."

Mr Marchesi said another van would head to north Queensland from Brisbane in the next 24 hours.

"It'll go to the areas where it's needed the most ... with roads cut off and places not being safe we will manage that with local authorities," he said.

Mr Marchesi said the van currently in Mackay could "do washing anywhere" - it has an on-board generator, a water tank, and is capable of doing 40kg of washing per hour.

"The vehicle going up next can do 100kg of washing per hour," Mr Marchesi said.

"We want to be able to help as many people as possible."

Mr Marchesi said they would remain up north as long as they were needed.

On Facebook the response was one of relief.

"Got so much washing, especially towels from stopping water from coming in the house. With no power you guys are awesome," Leanne Warman wrote.

"This is the kind of thing that makes me proud to be an Aussie. Devastation brings out the best in people. Fantastic work, you guys are amazing," Kelly Morris added.

To request a service go to the Orange Sky website or call (07) 3062 4811.