Grants open to deliver laundry facilities in remote communities
Eligible organisations have been invited to apply for funding to deliver free, community laundry facilities in remote First Nations communities, through the 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.
Improve health outcomes
“These fit-for-purpose community laundry facilities will help reduce the spread of preventable infectious diseases and improve health outcomes,” Minister for Indigenous Australians, Senator Malarndirri McCarthy said.
“By partnering with First Nations communities, we’re ensuring these services are designed to reflect their priorities.
Minister for Indigenous Australians, Senator Malarndirri McCarthy.
“This project will also create job opportunities in remote communities during the establishment and ongoing operation of the facilities.”
The construction, ongoing operations and maintenance of community laundry facilities will also create economic opportunities for First Nations people.
Closing the Gap
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:
https://www.grants.gov.au/Go/Show?GoUuid=c3914159-20d5-4aa3-aa31-af6413ab6e2f
