One year of Orange Sky’s fresh outlook in Ballarat

AN organisation that helps people experiencing homelessness access a safe place to do laundry is celebrating one year in Ballarat.

Orange Sky marked its first birthday last Wednesday following the launch of its Ballarat laundry pod in 2024.

Over the last 12 months, volunteers have completed more than 302 loads of washing and had 680 hours of conversation.

Regional co-ordinator Emma Anderson said the initiative is about providing dignity to people who may be experiencing homelessness or facing hardship.

“For people it’s being able to restore that little bit of dignity back,” she said.

“We all know how we feel with a clean pair of clothes on so it’s being able to give that back.

“We have found in the last 12 to 18 months a real increase of people using our services and not necessarily just people experiencing homelessness but people experiencing hardship as well.”

Vicki Mallett has been volunteering at Orange Sky Ballarat for most of the first year and said the service is about more than doing laundry.

“We do the washing and the drying, but we are also here as a mentor to let people know what’s out in the community if they need help,” she said.

“We’re here to have a talk and if they need help, we’re there to help.”

Ms Mallett encouraged the community to consider volunteering with the organisation.

“It makes you feel so good that you can help someone,” she said. “They are so happy that someone cares.”

The initiative is a partnership with the Salvation Army and is located at 102 Eureka Street, Ballarat East.

The laundry pod is open Wednesdays from 10.30am until 1.30pm and Thursdays from 11am until 1pm.

To volunteer with Orange Sky, visit the website.