A new community initiative is aiming to bring dignity and support to vulnerable individuals in Casino with the launch of the St Mary’s Mobile Laundry Project—a free, volunteer-run mobile laundry service for homeless and financially struggling residents.

With homelessness and financial hardship on the rise in Casino, many individuals and families are struggling to access basic hygiene services. The St Mary’s Mobile Laundry Project will provide a simple yet life-changing solution: a mobile laundry unit offering free access to washing machines and dryers for those in need.

“This project is about more than just clean clothes—it’s about dignity, health, and inclusion,” said Sam Irvine, Assistant Principal Mission at St Mary’s Primary School. “Many people in our community are doing it tough, sleeping rough, or living in their cars. Without access to clean clothing, they face additional health risks, social stigma, and barriers to employment and housing. This mobile laundry will provide a vital service where it’s needed most.”

How the Project Will Work

The mobile laundry will be housed in a custom-fitted 8x5 enclosed trailer, equipped with:

Two washing machines and two dryers to provide free laundry services to those in need.

A 9KVA generator for full off-grid operation, ensuring the service can reach different locations.

Secure electrical installation and safety features to ensure smooth and safe operations.

The service will be entirely volunteer-run, with support from St Mary’s Primary School staff, students, and community volunteers, and aims to expand to include parish and community volunteers.

Addressing a Critical Community Need

Casino currently lacks free public laundry facilities. This mobile laundry project will help:

• Improve hygiene and public health, reducing infections and illness caused by unclean clothing.
• Restore dignity and self-confidence to vulnerable individuals.
• Foster social inclusion, helping people engage with their community.
• Provide long-term, sustainable support to those most in need.

Funding & How You Can Help

To make this project a reality, approximately $30,000 is needed to cover costs, including trailer, washing machines and dryers, a high-quality generator, plumbing and electrical fit out.

We need your help! The project is seeking financial donations, sponsorships, and community support to fund the build and launch of the mobile laundry. Donations of any size will directly contribute to improving lives in Casino. Our school has already applied for multiple grants and will be fundraising as a school community throughout the year.

If full funding is not available upfront, the project will roll out in stages, prioritising the purchase of the trailer, generator, and at least one washer and dryer to begin operations as soon as possible. Our ultimate goal is to have this project fully funded and completed by the end of 2025.

Get Involved

Individuals, businesses, and organisations interested in donating or sponsoring the project can contact: Sam Irvine, St Mary’s Primary School, Casino.

• email: sam.irvine@lism.catholic.edu.au
• Mobile: 0423 472 551