Overcrowding in the Northern Territory is the highest in Australia and in these conditions, basic hygiene can break down fast, according to Kimberly-Clark.
“Eight in ten Aboriginal children are diagnosed with skin sores before their first birthday, leaving them vulnerable to scabies and rheumatic heart disease, a life-threatening yet preventable illness.”
To help break this cycle, Kimberly-Clark’s International Family Care & Professional (KC IFP) division has partnered with the Aboriginal Investment Group (AIG) and its Remote Laundries program to support the operation of a new laundromat in Borroloola, which launched on 25 November. The facility will provide free washing and drying services, and KC IFP has also donated an annual supply of its essential products to support the community.
The Borroloola site is the seventh laundry delivered by AIG’s Remote Laundries program, which is also supported by the Heart Foundation and the Mabunji Aboriginal Corporation. Located near the State’s coastline between Darwin and Alice Springs, the Borroloola laundry is estimated to support more than 1000 people in community by washing more than 3000 cycles of clothes and linen each year.
By providing access to regular washing, these laundries contribute to improved health, social and economic outcomes and support community pride and dignity.
Since 2019, the Remote Laundries program has delivered:
- 73,000-plus laundry cycles across remote NT communities
- 96% utilisation rates, showing strong demand
- 117 local jobs created, providing meaningful employment and training.
Remote Laundries CEO Elizabeth Morgan-Brett OLY says: “We are thrilled to be delivering a service that will benefit the Borroloola community from a health, economic and social perspective. With six years of laundry operations behind us, we’ve seen firsthand how access to clean clothes and bedding improves health, school attendance and employment. Our laundries deliver health, social and economic outcomes for Aboriginal people living in remote communities – one wash at a time.”
KC IFP Managing Director David Tyack says: “As a leader in health and hygiene, we’re proud to support AIG’s Remote Laundries program and the incredible work they’re doing to improve outcomes for remote communities. We know how tough it can be to access everyday essentials in these areas, so we’re happy to also donate an annual supply of our toilet paper for the people of Borroloola. We’re excited about what’s ahead and look forward to building a lasting partnership with AIG.”
