The Remote Community Laundries Project

Overview

The Remote Community Laundries Project (the Project) will provide funding to establish or upgrade, maintain and operate laundry facilities in remote First Nations communities in northern and central Australia to 30 June 2029.   Remote First Nations communities disproportionately face poor living conditions, including the absence of functional health hardware and limited access to essential services, adequate housing, and infrastructure.   Increasing access to fixed or mobile community laundry facilities with clean hot water and medicative detergents will allow clothes, bedding and towelling to be washed properly and regularly. This washing aims to reduce:  the spread of infections such as scabies and their associated health complications, including Rheumatic Heart Disease, Acute Rheumatic Fever, Chronic Kidney Disease and visual impairment; and allergens and irritants that can exacerbate chronic respiratory conditions like asthma. The construction, operation, maintenance and management of the community laundries also align with the Australian Government’s economic development agenda, contributing to better economic and social outcomes, including:   improving economic empowerment for First Nations communities through increasing access to local employment; and improving social interaction, information exchange and community participation, subsequently having a positive impact on social and emotional wellbeing.  It is expected that successful provider(s) will have established partnership with the local First Nations community of the proposed laundry facility and are committed to co-design and delivery. Applicants will need to demonstrate the laundry facilities align to the priorities of the local First Nations community, and the health objectives of IAS Program 1.3 – Safety and Wellbeing.