Eligible organisations are now invited to apply for funding to deliver free, community laundry facilities in remote First Nations communities, through the Albanese Government’s new Remote Community Laundries Project.
The $11.4 million project will fund up to 12 new or upgraded mobile or fixed laundries across the Northern Territory, Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia.
The project will improve access to commercial grade washing machines and medicative detergents, helping reduce irritants and infections which can lead to serious but preventable illnesses like trachoma, acute rheumatic fever, and rheumatic heart disease.
The construction, ongoing operations and maintenance of community laundry facilities will also create economic opportunities for First Nations people.
Providers working in partnership with First Nations communities will ensure the laundries are built where they are needed most, are fit-for-purpose, and reflect community priorities in line with the Closing the Gap Priority Reform 1.
Community laundries contribute to improved health and wellbeing outcomes. This initiative supports Closing the Gap health outcomes 1 and 2 and economic outcomes 7 and 8.
The competitive grant process closes at 2pm (AEDST) on Friday 13 February 2026.
To find out more about the Remote Community Laundries Project and apply for a grant, visit GrantConnect.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Indigenous Australians, Senator Malarndirri McCarthy:
“These fit-for-purpose community laundry facilities will help reduce the spread of preventable infectious diseases and improve health outcomes.
“By partnering with First Nations communities, we’re ensuring these services are designed to reflect their priorities.
“This project will also create job opportunities in remote communities during the establishment and ongoing operation of the facilities.”
Quotes attributable to Special Envoy for Remote Communities and Member for Lingiari, Marion Scrymgour MP:
"Communities have raised with our government that they want access to more remote laundries, and this commitment was a reflection of that.
“We know that the health needs of people in remote communities are unique and challenging, and that these new and upgraded laundries will make a real impact for people.
“Our objective through this program is to support community but also assist community organisations with tackling hygiene related illnesses such as rheumatic heart disease and scabies.
“The ongoing operation of these laundries will also deliver much needed job opportunities alongside the health benefits so this a big win for our remote residents.”