A VOLUNTEER-RUN laundry service is encouraging more Mornington Peninsula residents to make use of its free weekly support.
Orange Sky was first started in October 2025 as a free resource for homeless people. For the past few months, Orange Sky has been operating from the Mornington Community Information and Support Centre on Mondays from 10:30am to 12:30pm.
Volunteer Linda Perrin said the service is open to anyone who needs it.
“Majority of people we see are homeless, but you know, you’ve got people from boarding houses,” said Perrin.
“Some people may just not have a washing machine and dryer at the time.”
The local service operates from a van nicknamed “Jelly Baby”, which is equipped with two washing machines and two dryers. While some Orange Sky vans also offer shower facilities, the Mornington service focuses on laundry and social connection.
“It’s also more about conversation,” said Perrin.
“Engaging with people and having a chat and finding out about their life and some of them just want to debrief and have somebody to talk to.”
Perrin, who is a foster carer and volunteers with other organisations, joined when Orange Sky first launched its Mornington service.
“I just think I’m very lucky myself, very fortunate that I have a good life and a nice, warm, cosy bed to sleep in every night,” said Perrin.
“So, if I can help somebody else, I’m happy to do that.”
Orange Sky CEO and co-founder Lucas Patchett said there continues to be demand for their services as cost-of-living pressures affect more Australians.
“No one deserves to go without essentials – clean clothes, a hot shower and a safe place to sleep; however, rising costs are increasingly forcing everyday Australians to choose between living essentials, bills and rent, and people who may have never thought they would be struggling financially are turning to us for help,” said Patchett.
Orange Sky expanded to Melbourne a year after it began in Brisbane. Since then, volunteers have helped deliver over 45,000 loads of washing, 4,000 showers and 80,000 conversation hours.
Perrin said there is a growing need for support services across the Mornington Peninsula.
“There’s an awful lot of people sleeping out on the peninsula,” said Perrin.
She said it is important people know these services exist, even if they don’t require washing.
“They get to know us every week, and they get to know our names, and they’ll sit and have a chat with us,” said Perrin.
“All the staff are very friendly. There’s male and female, you know, we’re a mixed group. Everyone’s from different backgrounds, and they’re a really good team.”
Anyone wishing to use the laundry service is welcome to drop by during operating hours. It is recommended to arrive as close to 10:30am as possible due to cycle load times.
First published in the Mornington News – 23 June 2026
