Evaluation of the Remote Laundries Project

The Evaluation of the Remote Laundries Project is exploring how access to free, community-run laundry facilities can support health and wellbeing in remote Aboriginal communities across the Northern Territory.

A key focus of the evaluation is understanding how improved access to washing facilities may help reduce infections that contribute to the development of Acute Rheumatic Fever (ARF). ARF is an inflammatory condition that can occur following repeated infections caused by Group A Streptococcus (GAS) bacteria. Without timely treatment, ARF can lead to serious long-term health conditions, including Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD) and chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Despite being preventable, ARF and RHD continue to disproportionately affect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people living in remote Australia. Supporting access to clean clothing, bedding, household items through reliable washing facilities can contribute to healthy living environments and help reduce the spread of infections that place children at greater risk.

In response to community-identified needs, the Aboriginal Investment Group (AIG) established the Remote Laundries Project in 2019. The project provides permanent, free laundry facilities where families can wash clothing, bedding, towels and other household items. Operated by local community members, the laundries aim to improve health, quality of life, and social and economic outcomes.

Led by the UQ Poche Centre for Indigenous Health, this research forms the second phase of a three-phase evaluation. Earlier phases included the development of a Social Impact Framework led by Flinders University and an evaluation of project operations undertaken by CSIRO. The current phase will measure the project's health, social, cultural and economic impacts, including its contribution to reducing infection risk and supporting community wellbeing.

Read more information about AIG's Remote Laundries Project here: Home | Remote Laundries project

Read more about the Social Impact Framework here: Social Impact Framework for the evaluation of the AIG Remote Laundries Project - Research @ Flinders

Read more about Phase 1 of the Evaluation of the Remote Laundries Project here: CSIRO Research Publications Repository - Publication