New laundry in Gunbalanya

Story and photo credit: AIG

Last month, Aboriginal Investment Group (AIG) were excited to launch our fifth Remote Laundry in the West Arnhem community of Gunbalanya in partnership with the Adjumarllarl Aboriginal Corporation.

Within two weeks of operation, the laundry has spun over 100 cycles, employed four staff and operated at 100% capacity!

Aboriginal Investment Group CEO, Liz Morgan-Brett says the project’s success has been phenomenal.

 “The beauty of AIG’s Remote Laundries Project is in its simplicity. The laundry provides free washing and drying for the community to reduce the prevalence of scabies and other skin infections and improve health and wellbeing,” Liz said.

“Since the first Remote Laundry was installed, we’ve ticked over 50,000 cycles, created 44 jobs and injected over $650,000 of wages into remote communities. Our partnership with the Heart Foundation has also helped us deliver education sessions on why healthy skin contributes to a healthy heart.” 

Independent AIG Board Director Lachlan McKenzie and Adjumarllarl Aboriginal Corporation Stronger Communities for Children Coordinator says the community is excited about the laundry’s arrival and its impact on health and economic outcomes.

“Developed by the board of AIG six years ago, the Remote Laundries Project is a known and trusted solution to combat the burden of disease in remote communities while creating jobs,” Lachlan said.

AIG now operates five laundries in the NT: Darwin, Milyakburra, Angurugu, Barunga and Gunbalanya, with Borroloola, Nauiyu and Umbakumba next in line.

The Remote Laundries Project is supported by NT PHN, National Heart Foundation of Australia, Flinders University, Solar Living Homes, Katherine Laundry and Gremlin Electronics.