Community celebrates first year of Orange Sky laundry service
South Coast Gippsland Salvation Army, Orange Sky and Bass Coast Shire Council have celebrated the first anniversary of the twice weekly Orange Sky free community laundry service in Wonthaggi.
A VITAL community lifeline celebrated its first anniversary in Wonthaggi yesterday marking 12 months of restoring dignity, comfort, and human connection to Bass Coast residents facing hardship.
The twice weekly mobile laundry service operated by national charity Orange Sky in partnership with the local Salvation Army has become a cornerstone of support for vulnerable locals navigating an increasingly difficult economic climate.
The birthday event captured this community spirit perfectly with attendees sharing stories and laughter while volunteers cut and distributed a special one-year celebratory cake.
Every week the distinctive bright orange mobile laundry vehicle rolls into town to provide free washing and drying services. More importantly, it offers a safe, judgment-free space where people can sit down and have a warm conversation while their clothes are being washed and tumble dried.
South Coast Gippsland Salvation Army Corps Officer Julie Jefferies said the impact over the past 12 months had exceeded expectations. "It’s built a real community, the growth has been amazing, we regularly see 35 to 40 people every week," Ms Jefferies said. "Many who have accessed the twice-weekly laundry service have been the homeless living in tents or an increasing number in cars, pensioners having trouble with the cost of living, or people of all ages struggling with the cost of renting."
The service was originally launched in Wonthaggi in August last year to tackle the growing financial distress in the region. Since then, skyrocketing inflation, utility bills, and rental pressures have driven higher demand for basic hygiene assistance.
Local volunteers noted that for many patrons, the rising cost of utilities means choosing between running their home washing machine or buying groceries. This service removes that painful compromise.
To mark the milestone, volunteers, service users, and supporters gathered at the Salvation Army carpark, where the van sets up its regular shift. Attendees shared a celebratory afternoon tea, reflecting on the friendships formed over the spin cycles.
Organisers emphasised that while clean clothes are the tangible output, the psychological benefit of social connection is the true success of the program. Over the past year, the simple act of sitting and talking has broken down barriers of social isolation.
As the service enters its second year, both Orange Sky and the Salvation Army remain deeply committed to ensuring that no one in the Bass Coast community has to carry the burden of hardship alone.
Over the past 12 months, dedicated volunteer teams have processed more than 227 loads of free washing. However, representatives emphasised that the service's true value lies in human connection. Volunteers have clocked over 433 hours of genuine, non-judgmental conversation with locals doing it tough.
Reflecting on their shifts, volunteers shared heartfelt insights into how the simple act of sitting down and having a chat had built a deep sense of belonging, breaking down social isolation for residents feeling the pinch of the rising cost of living.
Orange Sky’s regional coordinator, Emma Anderson, praised the local community's resilience during the celebrations highlighting a surging national demand for crisis support. "The way the Wonthaggi community has embraced and connected with this service since we launched one year ago is incredibly moving," Anderson stated.
Backed by a passionate volunteer base and strong regional partnerships, Orange Sky reaffirmed its long-term commitment to the area with the service remaining dedicated to its core mission of washing away social stigma and spinning hope for community members who need it most.
