Our Story

Our Story The Orange Sky story is one of innovation, determination and a genuine desire to help those doing it tough. Our Origin Story The Orange Sky story is one of innovation, determination and a genuine desire to help those doing it tough. Our Unfolding Story The beginning Orange Sky Australia is the world’s first free mobile laundry service, dedicated to supporting people experiencing homelessness and hardship. Started from a garage in suburban Brisbane, the idea was founded by two 20-year-old mates, Nic Marchesi and Lucas Patchett. The Build In 2014, Nic and Lucas transformed an old van into a mobile laundry facility by installing a couple of washing machines and dryers, and a generator for power. What started as a simple concept of offering clean laundry has evolved into something much more powerful. Conversations and Connection From the moment Nic and Lucas met the first friend of Orange Sky, Geordan, they eagerly loaded up the washing machine. But once the cycle started, they weren’t sure what to do next. Sitting down together, they struck up a conversation. This simple chat became the catalyst for the significant impact Orange Sky would have in communities across Australia. Our Impact This week 2,008 Loads of washing 101 Showers 1,923 Hours of conversation 3898 Volunteers Find out more about Our Impact Our Impact Through the years October 2014 On World Homeless Day (10th October), Nic and Lucas officially launch Orange Sky Laundry. Through the years February 2015 Tropical Cyclone Marcia causes devastation for Central Queensland families. The first Orange Sky disaster relief team helps families access clean laundry services. Read More Through the years July 2015 Orange Sky Australia launches its first interstate service in Melbourne . Through the years March 2016 Orange Sky hires its first official paid staff member. Through the years August 2016 The first warm shower is delivered to someone doing it tough with the latest innovation - a Shower Van. Through the years October 2017 The first Hybrid Van is launched (equipped with two washers, two dryers and a shower). Through the years November 2017 Orange Sky's first remote community service is launched in Lockhart Rive r. Through the years July 2018 The Darwin Service launches, marking Orange Sky's presence in every Australian state and territory. Through the years October 2018 Orange Sky expands to Aotearoa, launching Orange Sky New Zealand in Auckland. Through the years September 2019 The first Sudsy Challenge is held, with supporters wearing the same bright orange shirt for three days in September to raise awareness of homelessness. Through the years March 2020 Shifts are paused for the first time in Orange Sky history due to COVID-19. Through the years May 2020 The first generation of Laundry Pods are launched in Mackay, Queensland. Through the years July 2020 Orange Sky launched its five-year strategy, outlining some ambitious goals to positively connect communities through to 2025. Through the years October 2021 The launch of two innovations - the Waru Dryer and Laundromat of the Future . Through the years March 2022 Orange Sky supported QLD and NSW communities impacted by flooding, resulting in our biggest ever month of impact, providing over 9,683 loads of laundry. Through the years May 2022 The 'Innovate' Reconciliation Action Plan is endorsed and launched to further assist Orange Sky to embed the principles and purpose of reconciliation. Read More Through the years April 2023 The Vehicle Upgrade Project was finalised - we upgraded 23 vehicles in Australia and four in New Zealand to have solar & battery power, reducing electrical consumption of up to 90%. Through the years March 2024 The first active fundraising campaign Walk the Walk is launched, where supporters walk 122km for the 122,000 Australians experiencing homelessness. Register Here Through the years August 2024 Orange Sky moves into the new Orange Sky Headquarters. Orange Sky HQ Through the years October 2024 Orange Sky turns 10 years old! FAQs Who is Sudsy? ‘Sudsy’ was the first laundry van built by Orange Sky co-founders Nic and Lucas at the age of 20. It took them three days (and three sets of washing machines and dryers) to get the van working. Why connection? Over the past 10 years, Orange Sky has supported people doing it tough by providing access to free laundry, warm showers, but most importantly, a place for connection and genuine conversation. Our mission is to positively connect communities and it’s important we are there for people who use our service to provide consistency, reassurance and connection. Does Orange Sky have any political or religious affiliations? No, Orange Sky has no religious or political affiliations. Orange Sky volunteers spend time on shift connecting with people doing it tough through genuine and non-judgemental conversations. Where do you get your funding? We are fortunate to receive support from a cross-section of the community. About a third of our funding comes from corporate partners, a third comes from philanthropic individuals, trusts and foundations, and a third comes from generous everyday Australians. What is a friend? Orange Sky uses the term ‘friend’ for someone who uses our services. I want to... Use your service Learn more about how to use our service. Donate Help us support people doing it tough. Volunteer All it takes is a few hours of your time each fortnight to make a difference. Fundraise Raise awareness and funds for Orange Sky. Partner See how your organisation can get involved