We’re proud to share some exciting news: The Laundry Lady has been named a Diversity & Inclusion Finalist at the prestigious 2025 Australia Post Online Retail Industry Awards (ORIAS)!
This recognition celebrates our continued commitment to fostering an inclusive, flexible, and supportive environment for women and people from all walks of life across Australia and New Zealand. It’s a win for every mum, carer, migrant, and changemaker who makes up our incredible team, not just a win for business.
Australia Post is proud to sponsor these Awards and is recognised as one of Australia’s most diverse workforces. The Diversity & Inclusion category celebrates businesses that have made outstanding contributions to supporting diversity and fostering inclusion within their organisation and beyond.
This includes initiatives relating to cultural and linguistic diversity, disability, gender equality, Indigenous communities, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and veterans.
Championing diversity in business
Diversity is not a trending topic at The Laundry Lady, it’s our business model. With 90% of our contractor team identifying as female, many of whom are mums, grandmothers, carers, and women returning to the workforce, we provide a path to sustainable income and independence.
We welcome individuals from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, including those for whom English is a second language. Through accessible training, support, and a strong online knowledge base, we ensure every Laundry Lady and Lad feels empowered to succeed. And help our customers take a load off their minds.
This inclusive approach has helped us better connect with and serve our diverse customer base while creating real economic opportunities in both urban and regional areas.
Flexible work that fits real lives
One of the key reasons behind our nomination in this year’s business awards is our dedication to flexible work. This is part of our mission.
Our contractors aren’t tied to a traditional 9 to 5. Instead, they set their own schedules, allowing them to juggle work, family, and life commitments, whether it’s school drop-offs, medical appointments, or sporting events.
We’ve created an accessible path for everyone looking to start their own business in the laundry industry, with the ability to earn between $300 and $3,000 per week, and a low-cost entry point.
Celebrating impact, one basket at a time
Founded by Susan Toft, The Laundry Lady began with a purpose to create time and flexibility in people’s lives. Today, that purpose lives on in every contractor story, customer review, and clean laundry basket delivered.
We ensuren that even a geographically spread team stays connected and recognised through initiatives like Contractor of the Month, an active internal Facebook group, and regular newsletters.
We’ve also been part of the Ithaca ‘Get Set for Impact’ program, helping us track our growth through a structured framework, with a focus on social impact and supporting female founders.
Looking ahead
Being named a finalist in the ORIAS Awards for Diversity & Inclusion is both an honour and a motivator. It reminds us that inclusive business models are not only good for people, they’re good for business.
As we continue expanding across Australia and New Zealand, we remain committed to growing with heart, purpose, and community at the centre of everything we do.
Follow our journey and discover more about the team behind the award nominations:
