On October 20, Lighthouse celebrated the first birthday of our partnership with Orange Sky Australia, offering free community laundry services from our Family Haven in Mooroopna.

In just 12 months, our amazing Orange Sky volunteers have supported 562 loads of washing and shared more than 626 hours of non-judgemental conversation with locals doing it tough across our region.

The Orange Sky initiative, delivered in partnership with St Alban’s Anglican Church, Gouge Linen and Garment Services, and the Greater Shepparton Lighthouse Project, has become a weekly hub of connection and practical support.

Orange Sky Regional Coordinator Emma Anderson said demand continues to grow:

“In the last year, we’ve seen about a 16 per cent increase in demand across all of our services nationally. The need is here, and it’s people from all walks of life, not just those experiencing homelessness.”

Volunteer Chris Perry describes her Mondays at the laundry pod as pure joy:

“It’s not work. We put the washing on, we sit down, we talk. It’s so enjoyable, Orange Sky are just amazing people.”

Lighthouse Executive Officer Amy Robinson said the project is a great example of community collaboration in action.

“It’s incredible to see what can happen when people come together with care and purpose. We’re so proud to partner with Orange Sky and grateful to the volunteers who show up rain, hail or shine, and to Gouge Linen for covering the utilities that keep the service running.”

Pictured above from left: Volunteer Chris Perry, St Albans Parish Priest Simon Robertson, Orange Sky Regional Coordinator Emma Anderson, Orange Sky Social Impact Manager Danella Martin and Greater Shepparton Lighthouse Project EO Amy Robinson.