Orange Sky: fresh laundry with a side of friendship.

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Homegrown charitable organisation Orange Sky is a shining example of what can be achieved when you set your mind to it. Founded in a garage in Brisbane by two mates, Nic Marchesi and Lucas Patchett, Orange Sky Australia is the world’s first free mobile laundry and shower service dedicated to supporting people experiencing homelessness and hardship. 

Launched on World Homelessness Day in 2014, Orange Sky has come a long way since its first, tricked-out laundry van – named ‘Sudsy’ – hit the road. Since then, the organisation has gone on to have an incredible impact all over Australia, with services operating everywhere from Kununurra in Western Australia to Castlemaine in regional Victoria.

In the 2023–24 financial year alone, an impressive 97,198 loads of laundry were completed at 45 locations, including around Melbourne’s CBD with Sadie, Orange Sky’s van supported by their partnership with ME. 

So, what can we learn from this organisation that tracks conversation hours on its website? Well, according to its founders and volunteers, human connection is vital to our mental health and wellbeing, no matter what your circumstances.

What does homelessness and hardship look like in Australia right now?

From fleeing family violence to experiencing mental health challenges, there are many reasons why people experience homelessness and hardship. Sadly, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, homelessness in Australia has risen by 28 per cent in the last 10 years. The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare reports that 274,000 people were assisted by specialist homelessness services between 2022-23. 

What many may not realise is these numbers don’t just represent ‘rough sleepers’ (people who sleep on the streets), in fact that only accounts for 6 per cent of homelessness in Australia. 

According to the Council to Homeless Persons, employed people who are couch surfing, living in temporary housing (like hotels and refuges) or other unstable, short-term living arrangements are adding to their service users in Victoria, at a rate of one in eight. So, having a job is no longer a guarantee you’ll also have a home to call your own. 

Bringing human connection to homelessness. 

Apart from the stress and adverse health impacts caused by sleeping rough, many people experiencing homelessness talk about the sense of invisibility and isolation they feel.

Recently, the University of Queensland found that having a sense of community was a key factor in improving people’s mental health (particularly in low socio-economic suburbs), proof that Orange Sky is providing so much more than washing machines and showers. 

‘A smile, a handshake, a “how are you going?” are things that seem small, but they’re huge in reminding someone that they matter. Human connection is at the core of everything we do,’ explains Orange Sky co-founder Nicholas Marchesi.

Making a difference through clean clothing and conversation. 

In the 2023–24 financial year, more than 3,400 Australians volunteered with Orange Sky across the country. One such person is Mary-Anne, who has been volunteering with Orange Sky on the Sunshine Coast for over eight years. 

Each week, Mary-Anne dons an orange shirt to help facilitate clean laundry and genuine conversations for community members in need.

‘The impact of human connection can’t be understated. Something as basic as clean clothing and conversation can mean everything. It helps you become socially acceptable, it provides a sense of worth, it restores dignity and gives reassurance that you belong,’ she shares.

Orange Sky volunteers complete a mix of online and in-person training covering everything from how to operate the van to safety procedures, and understanding how to have respectful, non-judgemental conversations. People from all walks of life come to Orange Sky for support, so empathy, active listening and cultural awareness are covered too. 

Like many other volunteers, Mary-Anne’s life has been enriched by putting her hand up to support others. And it’s not just a feeling; this reflection is backed by research from Volunteering Australia, which found volunteering to be associated with better perceived mental health and quality of life. An experience Mary-Anne agrees with – she credits volunteering at Orange Sky with expanding her worldview.  
 
‘I’ve learned so much about the realities of homelessness. It’s not always what you expect. We support people from all walks of life, including those working full-time who still can’t make ends meet,’ she says, adding: ‘Everyone has a story.’

Some are quick to share theirs, but others might take time to open up. By showing up consistently, treating everyone with respect and listening deeply, Mary-Anne has found that trust can be built. Over the years, she has learned a lot from the people who come to Orange Sky for fresh laundry and conversation.

‘Despite overwhelming adversity, these friends choose to put their feet on the ground every day. I am inspired by their resilience and bravery,’ says Mary-Anne.

 And its benefits don’t begin and end with the work, Mary-Anne now also counts some of the other Orange Sky volunteers as lifelong friends.

Volunteer contributions make magic happen.

The many contributions of volunteers are something co-founder Nicholas doesn’t take for granted.

‘Volunteers are at the absolute heart of Orange Sky – we simply couldn’t operate without them,’ he says. ‘They’re not just running the laundry and shower shifts, they’re showing up with compassion, consistency, and an open mind. They create the environment where connection happens, and they build real relationships with our friends doing it tough across the country. Their impact goes far beyond the hours they give, it’s life-changing for both the people they meet and themselves.’

This sense of camaraderie and satisfaction in helping to make a difference is clearly felt by many of the regular volunteers. Mary-Anne says, ‘I am very fortunate and proud to wear the orange.’

Pay it forward with a SpendME account. 

Has reading about Orange Sky’s incredible network of volunteers left you wondering how you can make a difference too? You can help the work that Orange Sky does when you choose ME’s orange debit card and make any purchases using your digital wallet. SpendME is the account that’s making money good.

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